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St. Matthew Catholic School
Student-Parent Handbook
2015-2016
Fr. Dennis Aréchega, Pastor Mr. Alvin Caro, Principal
10703 Wurzbach, San Antonio, Tx. 78230 (210) 478-5044 www.smcssa.org
St. Matthew School Mission Statement
The mission of St. Matthew Catholic School is to educate a strong faith-centered
community through a commitment to the spiritual, moral, intellectual, social and
physical development of each child.
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PASTOR’S LETTER OF WELCOME 2015-2016 SCHOOL YEAR
Dear St. Matthew Parents and Students:
Welcome to our school and parish community! Now beginning my sixth year as pastor of St. Matthew, I
have seen students who were fourth graders graduate and head on to High School and students who were
8th graders when I arrived now entering college! As I hear of their acceptance into highly regarded
universities and the thousands of scholarship dollars they have received, I feel blessed to be part of an
institution that does such a great job of preparing our students for their future. Thank you for choosing to
send your child or children to our school.
Those who are newcomers may not have yet heard of our exciting new capital campaign entitled,
“Building the Future”. It is an ambitious 6.8 million campaign that both the parish and school are
undertaking to enhance our facilities and community at large. We seek to create an alternate
ingress/egress to our campus from Vance Jackson, on our property located adjacent to the Fire Station,
build a gym that will house two basketball courts, and renovate the McDonald Family Center into a true
banquet facility. The campaign kicked off this past January and has received strong support of 4.1
million dollars in pledges and projected gifts in kind. We are receiving donations over a three year period
and still hope to receive many more pledges from both school parents and parishioners.
We know of the hassles that go with only having Wurzbach, one of the busiest streets in our city, to enter
and exit during school drop off and pick up times. We also have several elderly parishioners who find it
challenging to maneuver in and out of Wurzbach due to its congestion and rapid speed of traffic. Having
a second way to get on and off campus on Vance Jackson will provide greater ease for all.
The proposed gymnasium with two courts would greatly reduce having to rent other facilities for
basketball and volleyball practices and games. Having the largest CYO program in the Archdiocese, we
had 29 basketball teams last year. Some practices began late into the evening and some were located in
gyms too far away. The new gym would greatly benefit our parish CYO and our school AIAL programs.
It would also create another venue for parish and school assemblies, and the 11:15 a.m. Children’s Mass,
currently held in the MFC, would be moved there as well. Because the gym will be next to where the
new roadway will run, we will not begin connecting the Vance Jackson property road to our main
property until the new gym is built; both projects need to occur simultaneously. While we are in the
process of making adjustments on Vance Jackson Road at this time, the internal connection will not
happen until we receive enough funds for the Archdiocese to approve the building of our gym; they
usually require 50% of monies needed to be collected. The more parishioners and school families that
make a pledge, the sooner we can begin construction.
Building the Future is not only about roadways and gymnasiums; it is about striving to build the best
parish and school community that we can. I encourage you to consider what gifts and talents you can
offer in being a volunteer in order to enhance the life of our school.
We, the faculty, staff and administration of St. Matthew Catholic School, are extremely grateful that you
have entrusted us with the responsibility of educating and forming your child in our school. The
following pages include the St. Matthew Catholic School Student-Parent Handbook. Please read it in full.
A committee led by the School Council reviews and revises this handbook on a yearly basis. We thank
all who helped develop this handbook, especially the School Council. Once again, welcome!
Fr. Dennis D. Aréchiga
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Pastor
Table of Contents
St. Matthew School Mission Statement ................................................................................... 1
PASTOR’S LETTER OF WELCOME 2015-2016 SCHOOL YEAR ................................2
About Us… ....................................................................................................................................8
St. Matthew School Mission Statement ................................................................................... 8
Our History Timeline .............................................................................................................. 8
St. Matthew School Vision Statement ............................................................................... ..9
Our History Narrative .............................................................................................................. 9
St Matthew School Phiosophy ............................................................................................ 11
Goals and Objectives………………………………………………………………………….11
Cardinal Rules...................................................................................................................... 11
Archdiocese of San Antonio ................................................................................................... 12
Dedicated to a Vision .......................................................................................................... 12
Share The Spirit! ............................................................................................................. 12
Foster A Catholic Identity ............................................................................................... 12
Invest In Community Building ....................................................................................... 12
Provide Quality Education .............................................................................................. 12
Encourage Moral Formation ........................................................................................... 13
Appreciate Families ......................................................................................................... 13
Support Parish Life .......................................................................................................... 13
Share Governance ........................................................................................................... 13
Seek Equitable Distribution ............................................................................................ 13
Privacy Statement… ......................................................................................................... 13
Academic Calendar… ......................................................................................................... 14
Accreditation ............................................................................................................................ 14
School Office ............................................................................................................................ 15
Admissions and Records… ............................................................................................................ 15
Admission Requirements ................................................................................................... 15
Enrollment Probationary Period ......................................................................................... 17
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Priority of Admission: ....................................................................................................... 17
Classroom Size .................................................................................................................. 18
Classroom Assignments .................................................................................................... 18
Re-enrollment.................................................................................................................... 18
Admission of Students with Special Needs ................................................................... 19
Transfer Policies .............................................................................................................. 19
Requests for Re-admission to St. Matthew ……………………………………………… ..22
Withdrawal of a Student .................................................................................................... 22
Student Permanent Record................................................................................................. 22
Change of Address/Phone/E-mail/Emergency Contact Information ................................... 22
Custody, Records Access and Release of Records ............................................................. 23
Tuition .................................................................................................................................... 24
Tuition Discounts .............................................................................................................. 24
Tuition and Fee Payment Options ...................................................................................... 25
Tuition Due Dates ............................................................................................................. 25
Late and Returned Payment Fees and Policies ............................................................ 25
Past Due Accounts ………………………………………………………………………....26
Withdrawal ........................................................................................................................ 26
Curriculum ............................................................................................................................... 26
Core Curriculum Courses .................................................................................................. 27
Co-Curriculum Courses ..................................................................................................... 28
iPad Initiative ………………………………………………………………………………29
Honors Courses ................................................................................................................. 29
Service Hours .................................................................................................................... 29
Attendance Policies ........................................................................................................... 30
Academic Honesty …………………………………………………………………………34
Homework Policy……………………………………………………...………………….. 35
Report Cards ……………………………………………………………………………….35
Honor Roll …………………………………………………………………………………36
Promotion Policy …………………………………………………………………………..38
Conferences ………………………………………………………………………………. 39
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Archdiocesan Testing Program and Test Scores ............................................................. 39
Textbooks.......................................................................................................................... 39
Private School Interscholastic Association (PSIA) ............................................................. 39
Code of Conduct ........................................................................................................................ 40
Harassment-Free Environment for Students ....................................................................... 40
Discipline… ...................................................................................................................... 50
Computers and Telecommunications ............................................................................ 51
Use of Electronic Communication – Archdiocese Policy 4608 ........................................... 53
Use of Electronic Communication on School-sponsored field trips and events ................... 53
Consequences of Cheating ................................................................................................. 54
Disciplinary Notices (DN) ................................................................................................. 54
Detention ........................................................................................................................... 54
Disciplinary Referrals (DR) ............................................................................................... 54
Expulsion .......................................................................................................................... 56
Locker and Lock Assignments ........................................................................................ 56
Telephone Use ................................................................................................................. 57
Cell Phones ...................................................................................................................... 57
Prohibited Items at School ............................................................................................. 58
Copyright.......................................................................................................................... 59
Grievance Procedures. .................................................................................................... 59
Complaint Resolution Process for Non-Disciplinary Issues.......................................... 59
Formal Grievance Procedures ........................................................................................ 62
St. Matthew Academic Organizations ................................................................................ 64
School Uniform… ...................................................................................................................... 65
PE Uniform ....................................................................................................................... 76
Grooming ......................................................................................................................... 76
Jewelry ............................................................................................................................. 77
Non-Uniform Days ............................................................................................................ 77
Uniform Violations ............................................................................................................ 78
Health and Wellness .................................................................................................................. 79
Comprehensive Guidance Program at ................................................................................ 79
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St. Matthew Catholic School ............................................................................................. 79
School Nurse ..................................................................................................................... 80
Insurance ........................................................................................................................... 86
Tobacco............................................................................................................................. 86
Narcotics, Drugs and Alcohol ............................................................................................ 86
Endowment Fund ....................................................................................................................... 88
Athletics… ............................................................................................................................... 89
School Sports Philosophy ................................................................................................ 89
Policies and Regulations… ........................................................................................................... 90
Visitors .............................................................................................................................. 90
Use of School Property ...................................................................................................... 90
Communications ................................................................................................................ 91
School Publications ........................................................................................................... 91
Arrival and Dismissal ........................................................................................................ 91
Early Dismissal Days ........................................................................................................ 92
School Closure for Inclement Weather ............................................................................... 93
Fire, Disaster and Lockdown Drills ................................................................................... 93
After School Care and Early Morning Program Policies and Procedures .......................... 94
Library .............................................................................................................................. 97
Cafeteria ........................................................................................................................... 98
Classroom Parties ............................................................................................................. 99
Deliveries for Students....................................................................................................... 99
Lost and Found Articles .................................................................................................... 99
Fundraising ..................................................................................................................... 100
Field Trips and Sports-Related Travel ............................................................................. 102
Schools as Weapons Free Zones ...................................................................................... 103
Morality ................................................................................................................................ 104
Pregnancy ....................................................................................................................... 104
Child Abuse/Neglect ........................................................................................................ 106
Parent Involvement .................................................................................................................. 107
School Council ................................................................................................................ 107
Parent Teacher Club ........................................................................................................ 108
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Parents as Partners Program............................................................................................. 108
LEFT INTENTIONALLY BLANK ........................................................................................ 114
APPENDIX ......................................................................................................................... 115
St. Matthew Catholic School Athletic Handbook ................................................................. 115
School Sports Philosophy .............................................................................................. 115
Sports Programs ............................................................................................................ 116
Sports Policy .................................................................................................................. 117
Athletic Code of Conduct ............................................................................................... 118
Requirements for Participation ..................................................................................... 118
Team Selection Process ................................................................................................. 121
Team Commitment ........................................................................................................ 123
Performance and Playing Time ..................................................................................... 125
Sports Teams ................................................................................................................. 126
Cheerleaders .................................................................................................................. 134
Morning Drop-off Times/Procedures …………………………………………………… 145
Tardy Policy ……………………………………………………………………………… 146
Student Code of Conduct ..................................................................................................... 147
Archdiocesan Policy 5403 B, Delinquent Tuition and Fees Payment Agreement ................. 151
Bullying, Harassment or Intimidation Reporting Form ........................................................ 151
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About Us…About Us…About Us…About Us… St. Matthew School Mission Statement
The mission of St. Matthew Catholic School is to educate a strong
faith-centered community through a commitment to the spiritual,
moral, intellectual, social and physical development of each child.
Our History
November 1968: St. Matthew Parish Founded
June 1971: The first Mass is celebrated in St. Matthew Catholic Church Pastor: Msgr. John J. McDonald
January 1993: Ground breaking for St Matthew Catholic School Pastor: Msgr. John Flynn August 1993: St. Matthew Catholic School opens – August 18, 1993 Pastor: Msgr. John Flynn Principal: Sr. Patrice Floyd, IWBS August 1994: Pastor: Msgr. John Flynn Principal: Mr. Curtis Youngman
August 1996: Pastor: Msgr. John Flynn Principal: Mrs. Cindy Salinas June 1998: Pastor: Msgr. Michael Yarbrough Principal: Mrs. Cindy Salinas August 2004: Pastor: Msgr. Michael Yarbrough Principal: Mr. Alvin Caro August 2010: Pastor: Fr. Dennis Aréchiga Principal: Mr. Alvin Caro
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ST. MATTHEW CATHOLIC SCHOOL VISION STATEMENT
The Vision of St. Matthew is to continue as a school, based in our Catholic faith,
traditions, and practices that will develop Catholic leaders of the future, offer the
highest standards in academic education, and form responsible citizens who are
stewards of the earth’s resources.
St. Matthew Catholic Church and School are located in North Central San Antonio,
adjacent to the Medical Center. In 1992 Msgr. John Flynn, conducted a parish survey
which revealed the desire for a parish school. He undertook the project with the firm
belief that a parish school strengthened the religious education of the parish and
strengthened parish life as a whole.
In January 1993, ground was broken for St. Matthew Catholic School and on August
18, 1993, the school opened with an enrollment of just under 400 students. The
school was dedicated by Bishop Joseph Galante on Oct. 10, 1993.
Msgr. Michael Yarbrough was appointed pastor of St. Matthew Catholic Church on
June 1, 1998. During his twelve years as our pastor, Msgr. Yarbrough was committed
to the children, to their families, to the faculty and staff, and, to promoting the
Mission of St Matthew Catholic School.
St. Matthew Parish welcomed Fr. Dennis Aréchiga as its pastor on June 1, 2010. Fr.
Dennis, a graduate of the University of Notre Dame and a former music teacher in the
Archdiocese of San Antonio, brought his years of service as a pastor at St. Monica’s in
Converse, Texas and as Pastoral Administrator of a parish school. Fr. Dennis is a
strong supporter of Catholic education. The faculty welcome his visits to the
classrooms during the school year. Pastoral associate, Fr. Michel Benin, routinely visits
the classrooms and the fields of the school to pray and to play with the students and
to visit with the faculty.
Sr. Patrice Floyd, IWBS, the first principal of St. Matthew Catholic School, opened the
school with a full schedule for students from PreK3 – 8th grade. Under the
administration of Mr. Curtis Jungman, 1994-1996, school enrollment continued to
grow, new classes were added at each grade level, and the decision was made to
begin enrollment with PreK-4 classes. Under the administration of Mrs. Cindy
Salinas, St. Matthew Catholic School reached an enrollment of over 700 students from
Pre-K through eighth grade. Classroom space was expanded with the addition of
three portable classroom buildings.
Mr. Alvin Caro, the current principal, is starting his 12th year at St. Matthew Catholic
School. He brings expertise gained from over 30 years of experience as a teacher,
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coach, academic coordinator, and principal in the public schools in and around San
Antonio. Mr. Caro and his family are active members of St. Matthew Parish. He is
committed to the Mission Statement of St. Matthew Catholic School, to maintaining
our traditions of excellence, and to careful planning for the near and distant future.
Under his leadership the exterior of the school has been enhanced. This
enhancement has included the completion of the entrance plaza, the addition of a
sports court, the installation of a newly designed pre-school playground, the addition
of an awning cover over the back carline drop-off area, and adding to the security of
the campus by including closed-circuit monitoring and a security fencing. The 2015
school year will start with a newly renovated school cafeteria.
The school’s staffing has evolved with the needs of the school and community. The
full-time positions of Director of Development, Technology Administrator, and
Resource teacher have been added to the staff, along with an assistant for the middle
school science lab. In the 2013-2014 school year, with the support of the Pastor and
the School Council, the iPad initiative was implemented. The principal contracted for
the installation of a reliable communication infrastructure that would support the
bandwidth needed to ensure WiFi and internet access to stream freely throughout the
campus. All student iPads accessed the internet through the School server, whether
at school or at home. This safeguard was installed to protect students when accessing
the internet. Inappropriate internet sites and social networking sites were blocked.
This same level of internet safety will be available in the 2015-2016 school year
through the use of the Mobicip Search Engine
When school opened for the 2013 school year, each child in Grade 4 – Grade 8
received a school-issued iPad. Students in PreK-4 through Grade 3 had access to iPad
technology in a rotation system using a dedicated grade-level set of iPads.
Technology in all the classrooms has been updated with the addition of Apple TVs;
some classrooms use Elmo document cameras and/or Mimio devices.
Parent – School communication has been enhanced and expanded. Students, parents,
teachers, and the administration use RenWeb, an electronic parent-to-school
communication system, to maintain routine communication between the school and
the parents. A weekly newsletter with photos and links to interactive video snaps
bring the events of the week to life. An updated user-friendly Website will debut at
the start of the 2015-2016 school year St. Matthew Catholic School will continue its
presence on social media with a Facebook page and a Twitter account.
In the fall of 2014, the parish and the school initiated a capital campaign entitled
“Building the Future,” to fund projects that will bring easier access to the campus by
building a road from Vance Jackson Road directly to the parish property. The
campaign funds will also go to build a separate gym for use by the school and the
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Parish CYO teams, and will remodel the current McDonald Center (which currently
serves both as a gym and a social venue) so that it will be a dedicated social events
venue.
St. Matthew Catholic School is and will continue to be the place of faith formation,
educational innovation, and dedication to service in the community.
St. Matthew School Education Philosophy
Be it known to all who enter here,
That CHRIST is the reason for our school,
The unseen but ever present Teacher in our classes,
The Model of our faculty and
The Inspiration of our students.
St. Matthew Catholic School develops the whole student as a follower of Jesus Christ.
The school supports a unique educational environment in which students and staff
can experience the presence and love of God through a greater love for their Church,
community, and country. In this setting, all are called to proclaim the Gospel
message, to unite in worship and to respond to the needs of the community through
fellowship and social justice. We strive to serve all through the sharing of their
spiritual gifts and temporal goods.
St Matthew School Goals and Objectives
� The school is committed to the spiritual, moral, intellectual, social and physical
development of each child.
� The school promotes a community spirit among its constituents, allowing active
members to find opportunity for Christian service.
� The school provides instructional leadership.
� The school will ensure a safe and orderly environment with a clear discipline
code based in the Cardinal Rules.
Cardinal Rules
1. Show respect for yourself, adults, others, the St. Matthew uniform, and all
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property.
2. Be prepared for school and all activities.
3. Allow others to work undisturbed.
4. Follow directions.
5. Keep your hands to yourself.
6. Be honest.
Archdiocese of San Antonio
Dedicated to a Vision
Share The Spirit!
The fundamental purpose of Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of San Antonio is to
proclaim the Good News of Jesus the Christ. His news is one of challenge, love and
unity; His spirit is caught in the lives of students. Affirming that parents are the
primary educators and partners of education, we prepare students to share the spirit
of Jesus through community building, Christian acts of service, and word and
worship. We commit to provide inspiring active learning and quality education so that
all students Share The Spirit of Catholic Education.
This Vision statement calls forth beliefs that affirm the missionary dynamics of all
Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of San Antonio as we move into the Third
Christian Millennium. They are:
Foster A Catholic Identity
We prepare students to encounter the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to bring Catholic
teachings and values into their lives and the global world.
Invest In Community Building
We are committed to building a communal spirit that is the heart and reality of
Christian formation.
Provide Quality Education
We teach knowledge and critical skills so that students function fully as citizens within
a changing technological and multicultural society.
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Encourage Moral Formation
We lead by example in teaching moral values that encourage respect and
responsibility.
Appreciate Families
We recognize the family as the basic faith community in which all members share as
active participants of the parish community.
Support Parish Life
We believe that the school contributes to the parish through the formation of
students as active participants of the parish community.
Share Governance
We seek support and participation from those who share a common vision, mission,
and philosophy.
Seek Equitable Distribution
We are challenged to establish just distribution of resources to ensure quality and
affordability to families and our church.
St Matthew Operating Policies
Privacy Statement…
St. Matthew Catholic School respects the privacy of all personal information collected
and does not, under any circumstances, rent or sell personal information to any
outside third party.
Personal information that is submitted to the school will be used only for the purpose
for which it was asked (for example, information submitted for admission will be used
for admission’s purposes). Aggregate, non-personally identifying information may be
both used internally and shared externally.
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The School is committed to upholding our students’ and parents’ right to privacy.
Should you have any questions or suspect a breach of these policies, we encourage
you to contact the School’s Office.
Academic Calendar…
AccreditationAccreditationAccreditationAccreditation St. Mathew Catholic School is fully accredited by the Texas Catholic Conference Education Department (TCCED). The TCCED through its association with TEPSAC (Texas Private School Accreditation Commission), is recognized by the Texas Education Agency, and is responsible for the implementation of the accreditation process for Texas Catholic schools. For more information on accreditation, please visit the following websites:
http://www.tepsac.com/ (Texas Private School Accreditation Commission)
http://www.txcatholic.org/education.html (TCCED)
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School OfficeSchool OfficeSchool OfficeSchool Office The school office is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. during
the school year. On faculty meeting days the office closes at 12:30 p.m. Summer
hours are 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
AdmisAdmisAdmisAdmissions and Records…sions and Records…sions and Records…sions and Records… St. Matthew Catholic School admits students of any race or national origin to programs
and activities with all rights and privileges. Equal opportunity and access is provided to
students without regard to race, national origin or gender. Preference, however, will be
given to students of the Catholic faith. All students will be required to attend Mass,
receive instruction in Catholic Catechism and become involved in school and community
service activities.
In those cases in which physical space makes it necessary to restrict the intake of
students at St. Matthew Catholic School, priority must be given to students of Catholic
parents registered in St. Matthew Catholic Church that meet the entrance requirements
and have demonstrated support of Catholic education in the past.
Admission Requirements
Parents who seek a Catholic education for their child enter into a contractual agreement.
This agreement is established between the parent/student and St. Matthew Catholic
School and in accordance with the rules of the school governing all areas of the student’s
development. As part of the contractual agreement, there are explicit (expressed) and
implicit (implied) expectations placed on both the parent/student and St. Matthew
Catholic School.
Explicit rules and regulations are included in this parent/student handbook and various
school communications.
� A student should be four years of age on or before September 1 to be admitted
into the Pre-Kindergarten program.
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� A student should be five years of age on or before September 1 to be admitted to
Kindergarten. In the process of admitting students to Kindergarten, preference will
be given to families who are parishioners, regardless of whether or not their child
attended the Pre-Kindergarten program. Participation in the Pre-Kindergarten
program does not ensure acceptance into Kindergarten.
� A student should be six years of age on or before September 1 to be admitted into
the first grade. Exception may be made in the case of a student who has completed
Kindergarten in a different state where the entering age is lower provided there is
also a written statement from the Kindergarten teacher that the student is ready
for first grade.
� A student who does not meet the age requirement may be considered for
admission. Admission and placement is the decision of the principal based on
testing observation and other assessments. Consideration must be given to the
child’s emotional, social and academic development. Admission is permitted if it
is deemed in the best interest of the student and the placement is agreeable to
both parents and principal.
� The student must be toilet trained before entering school. No diapers or pull-ups
may be worn by students at school. If the student has a toilet accident, their
guardian will be required to pick him/her up from school. If the student has more
than one accident, the teacher, administration and the school nurse will evaluate
the child to determine their specific needs.
In addition to the age requirements, the documents or information listed below must be
on file with the school office for each registered student:
� Official State Birth Certificate � Baptismal certificate � Health Record
o Immunization data o Illness record
� Previous Report Card � Standardized Test Results � (If applicable) All special education or psychological test results � (If applicable) Court Ordered documents divorce decrees, custody documentation
or guardianship paperwork that reflect access to the student, their academic information, or visitation by either parent or guardian
Prospective students and parents will be interviewed. Readiness testing will be
administered for Pre-K and Kindergarten. Grade level testing will be given for First
17
through Eighth Grade. Admission and placement is the decision of the administration
and based on testing, interviewing, observation and other assessments.
Archdiocesan Policy 5403 B, Delinquent Tuition and Fees Payment Agreement,
describes the steps to be taken by the party responsible for tuition and the school,
when tuition and fees are delinquent. The Parent/Guardian must sign a statement
indicating that the responsible party has received, read and agrees to the terms and
conditions of this Archdiocesan Policy. See APPENDIX.
Enrollment is not complete until this, and all, required documents are received,
reviewed and found to be in order by the school.
Enrollment Probationary Period
Each student entering St. Matthew School for an initial enrollment is on probationary
status for at least one semester. Students are removed from probationary status after
proving they can meet our academic and behavioral standards. At the principal’s
discretion, any student may be placed on probation, removed from probation or have
their probationary period extended at any time. Failure to meet the academic and/or
behavioral standards, after having been placed on probation, may result in dismissal
from St. Matthew Catholic School.
Priority of Admission:
1. Currently enrolled students
2. Siblings of currently enrolled students
3. Contributing/active parishioners on waiting list
4. Non-Contributing/inactive parishioners on waiting list
5. Non-parishioners after waiting lists are exhausted.
Students may be admitted at the Pastor’s discretion. For further clarification of In-
Parish Tuition Discounts, please refer to the section titled Tuition Policy.
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Classroom Size
Currently the school capacity is two (2) classes for Pre-Kindergarten and three (3)
classes for Kindergarten through Eighth. School policy allows a maximum of 22
students in each Pre-Kinder class and 25 students in each homeroom class for
Kindergarten through Eighth. The pastor may allow one (1) additional student per
homeroom classroom at each grade level.
Classroom Assignments
The administrative staff is solely responsible for student assignments to a teacher or
classroom. Changes during the school year are undertaken for educational reasons
only, as deemed necessary by the administration.
Re-enrollment
Re-enrollment at St. Matthew School occurs on a year-to-year basis, during the month of
February. At the time of re-registration, children who are currently enrolled at St.
Matthew are given priority over other applicants. At the discretion of the pastor or
administration, a student may be denied re-enrollment. Such circumstances for denial
include, but are not limited to, the following:
1. A family’s unwillingness to meet its financial obligation to the school.
2. A student’s demonstrated failure or unwillingness to live up to the academic
standards that are an integral part of the St. Matthew curriculum.
3. A student’s unwillingness or lack of cooperation in abiding by the St. Matthew
Cardinal rules of conduct.
4. A parent’s inability or unwillingness to work cooperatively and respectfully with
the school, its administration and its staff in resolving problems which may arise
between home and school.
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Failure to return re-enrollment documents and deposits by the specified date could
result in forfeiture of a child’s spot on the class roster for the next school year.
Students who have been withdrawn from the roster will be required to follow the
Enrollment Process as described in this handbook.
Official Notification of Withdrawal
When the school has received official notification of withdrawal from the
parent/guardian (verbal, in writing electronically or through a letter) the student’s slot
for the next school year will be forfeited. The official Enrollment Process as described
in this handbook must be followed to gain re-admission to St. Matthew and will be
dependent on the waiting list for the particular grade level(s).
Admission of Students with Special Needs
The policy of the Archdiocese is that schools will, if able, provide students with special
needs with an opportunity for an education. However, if students with special needs
apply to a school that is not capable of offering the necessary programs, services and
facilities, they will be referred to other schools and programs that have the ability to
effectively serve their needs.
Transfer Policies
Acceptance of students from Kindergarten through 7th grade is dependent on a
satisfactory report from their previous school and the availability of space in the required
grade level. Other factors considered include:
� Family registration as parishioners
� Academic progress
� Conduct and effort ratings as documented on report cards
� Standardized test scores
Eligible transfer students will have a personal interview with the principal and/or vice-
principal. Students in grades K-7 will be tested. Out of state students will follow the
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entry-level age requirements of the Archdiocese. If accepted, official transcripts from the
previous school must be submitted to the school office in order to complete the transfer
enrollment process.
All transfer students that are offered admission to St. Matthew Catholic School Middle
School are accepted on a probationary contract for one semester. Terms of this contract
include participation in the spiritual life of St. Matthew as evidenced by success in religion
class, participation in school liturgies and school and individual service activities; passing
grades of at least 70% in each subject; and, observance of the Cardinal Rules as
evidenced by an S or above in conduct and commitment to regular attendance.
Transfers within the Archdiocese
The transfer of a student from one Catholic school to another within the Archdiocese
can occur only after consultation between the principals of the two schools involved.
Students Transferring from another Catholic School
Permanent record cards and health records will be released to a receiving school when
that school applies directly by mail to the sending school. If the student is transferring
to a Catholic school within the Archdiocese, the original permanent record card and
health records shall be transferred. If the student is transferring to a school that is not
a part of the Archdiocese, a copy of the student’s permanent record card and the
original health records shall be transferred. These records will be released without an
onsite parent’s signature, since it is assumed that the receiving school has that
signature on file. All special education or psychological test results, which are to be
released to a receiving school, must include a parent’s signed release of that
information.
Students Transferring From Public and Other Non-Public Schools
Placement of students transferring from public and other state approved non-public
schools is the decision of the administration based on testing, observation and other
assessments. This decision is made if it is deemed in the best interest of the student
and the placement is agreeable to both parents and the principal.
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Students Transferring from Home Schooling and Non-Accredited Schools
St. Matthew Catholic School Administration will review transfer requests from students
who transfer from non-accredited schools or home schooling.
Copies of the following certificates must be presented at the time of registration for a
student in grades 2-8:
� Official State Birth certificate
� Baptismal certificate (Catholics only)
� Immunization records
� Official cumulative record or transcript of previous grade
Students Transferring from Foreign Schools
Placement of students transferring from foreign schools shall be determined by the
administration of the school in which they are enrolling. Credits earned by students in
schools located in foreign countries, once verified, will be accepted.
Dual Enrollment with Non-Accredited Schools
St. Matthew Catholic School will not enter into a dual enrollment arrangement with non-
accredited schools for any portion of the day. This position maintains our commitment
to operate an accredited school.
Transfer Requests for the 8th Grade
St. Matthew School does not routinely accept transfer students into the 8th grade. At
the discretion of the administration, exceptions may be granted. If accepted, official
transcripts from the previous school must be submitted to the school office.
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Requests for Re-admission to St. Matthew
Students who have left St. Matthew Catholic School and who wish to return are subject
to the acceptance policies stated above. Prior attendance does not guarantee
acceptance, special privileges or priority for waiting lists, nor does it override
commitments made to other families.
Withdrawal of a Student
The parent/guardian of a student should notify the school office of the student’s
withdrawal. Contacting the school office 24 hours prior to withdrawal is required. All
tuition and fees must be paid in order to release the student’s records and report card
to the parent or guardian.
When the school has received official notification of withdrawal from the
parent/guardian (verbal, in writing electronically or through a letter) the student’s slot
for the next school year will be forfeited. The official Enrollment Process as described
in this handbook must be followed to gain re-admission to St. Matthew and will be
dependent on the waiting list for the particular grade level(s).
Student Permanent Record
A permanent record is maintained for each student. The student’s official file contains the following items: academic transcripts, academic testing, health records and emergency information. Only copies of the contents of the official and original health record will be forwarded to a new school. The school retains the permanent records when the student transfers or graduates.
Change of Address/Phone/E-mail/Emergency Contact Information
Maintaining accurate and up-to-date contact information is of the utmost importance.
The school will send out text blasts to notify parents of emergency events, changes in
schedule or any news information that must be transmitted with immediacy. Email
follow-ups will also be sent. Change of Address/Phone/E-mail/Emergency Contact Forms
can be found on RenWeb to update this information.
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Custody, Records Access and Release of Records
St. Matthew School abides by all rights of custodial and non-custodial parents as specified
by the laws of Texas. Parents (custodial and non-custodial) have access to their student’s
records. However, the school will comply with any exceptions to this as ordered by the
courts. Therefore, a copy of all active court orders pertaining to the well-being of the
students must be on file with the school administration. The orders will be kept
confidential in the student’s file. In addition, parents are asked to settle any dispute
outside the school environment so their student(s) may prosper in the academic
environment provided. Failure of parents to comply with these obligations may jeopardize
a student’s enrollment at St. Matthew School.
All material in the student’s file shall be treated as confidential and shall be accessible
only to the principal, members of the professional staff, to parents or the legal guardian
and to the student after his/her eighteenth birthday. Parents are to be made aware that
they have the right to this information. (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, 1974)
A non-custodial parent may also have the right of access to the student’s educational
records. In this case, the school shall delete all references in the records to place of
residence of the custodian of the student before releasing copies of records. (Amendment
of Texas Family Code, Section 14.04, 1983) Release of records to non-custodial parents
will follow the Archdiocesan Policy #4406:
“The school is to abide by the provisions of the Buckley Amendment with respect to the
rights of non-custodial parents. In the absence of a court order to the contrary, a school
will provide the non-custodial parent with access to the academic records and to other
school-related information regarding the child. If there is a court order specifying that
there is to be no information given, it is the responsibility of the custodial parent to
provide the school with an official copy of the court order.
Another way to handle the non-custodial parent situation is to ask all divorced parents
to furnish the school with a copy of the custody section of the divorce decree. This
information will also help the school in determining when, if ever, the child’s records
can be released to the non-custodial parent.”
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TuitionTuitionTuitionTuition
Tuition and Fee Schedule rate sheets, which are available in the School office, provide
details of the various charges, fees and discounts in effect for the school. Tuition bills for
each month are sent to families via Email or postal mail as reminders and records of
tuition and fees due.
All fees are non-refundable.
Tuition Discounts
As a parish school and in recognition of the support received from the parish, St. Matthew
Catholic School offers a parishioner discount for families meeting certain criteria.
Contributions during the calendar year will be used to determine eligibility for the discount
for the following school year. The criteria for a parish discount is as follows:
� Be a registered parishioner of St. Matthew Catholic Church
� Attend Mass on a regular basis at St. Matthew Catholic Church
� Make financial contributions to the parish of at least $500 annually ($42/month)
using parish provided envelopes*
*The financial contribution of at least $500 (annually) is based on envelope contributions to St. Matthew Catholic Church during the prior calendar year. The pastor or his delegate has the final responsibility to determine the parish status of a family with regard to all requirements noted above. Those families who do not meet the above qualifications for parish discount may, after consultation with the pastor or his delegate, be granted an exception and receive the discount. Families new to the parish are initially exempt from this policy but are expected to comply with the above requirements as soon as possible.
Families with two or more students enrolled in St. Matthew Catholic School are eligible
for a sibling discount. This discount is not available for students in Pre-K.
Tuition and Fee Schedules show the parishioner and sibling discount rates and are
available in the school office.
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Tuition and Fee Payment Options
New families may select one of the following methods:
� Tuition and fees paid in one payment for the entire school year in July or at
registration for the remainder of the school year.
� Tuition paid in advance for each semester (July and January).
� Tuition paid in 11 equal monthly payments beginning in July and continuing
through May. Monthly payments must be made by ACH Debit for new families.
Returning families will be billed using the payment method selected in the previous
school year. Payment method change requests must be made in writing to the school
bookkeeper.
Tuition Due Dates
Fees are due on the dates stated on the school invoice. New families must pay all fees
at the time of registration. Returning families must pay a portion of the Annual Fee
upon re-registering and the remainder is billed in June. See the Tuition & Fee Schedule
for timing of other fees. Tuition payments are due at St. Matthew Catholic School’s
office by the first (1st) of the month. Accounts paid by check or cash received by the
tenth (10th) of the month are considered timely, if received after the 10th, the payment
is considered late. A Parent/guardian paying by ACH debit may select any date of the
month they want the payment deducted from their bank account. No late fee is charged
even for payment dates after the 10th and through the end of the month. Monthly
payments due in May for graduating eighth grade students must be paid on
or before May 10th whether paid by ACH or by check.
Late and Returned Payment Fees and Policies
Any late or returned payments will be charged a $25 fee. All past due payments must
be accompanied with the $25.00 fee. ACH debits or other forms of payment which are
returned unpaid by the parent/guardian’s financial institution, through the fault of the
parent/guardian, will be charged the fee.
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Past Due Accounts:
Archdiocesan Policy 5403 B, Delinquent Tuition and Fees Payment Agreement, describes
the steps to be taken by the party responsible for tuition and by the school, when tuition
and fees are delinquent. The Parent/Guardian must sign a statement indicating that the
responsible party has received, read and agrees to the terms and conditions of this
Archdiocesan Policy. See the Appendix for a copy of this policy.
A student will not be allowed to register for the following academic school year unless all
tuition and fees are paid to date or a payment contract signed.
Any reimbursements or payments due to families in past due status will be applied to
tuition.
Withdrawal
Students withdrawing during the school year will be charged or receive a refund based
on a pro-ration of their tuition (school days enrolled to school days scheduled.) Upon
withdrawal, the total annual amount of fees shown in the Tuition and Fee schedule
applicable to the withdrawn student(s) will be deducted when computing any refund
due.
CurrCurrCurrCurriculumiculumiculumiculum
The primary goal of the curriculum and instruction in the Archdiocese of San Antonio is
to provide those learning experiences most conducive to providing students with the
virtues, knowledge, understanding and skills necessary for each student’s spiritual,
intellectual, social, cultural and physical development in keeping with the stated
philosophy of St. Matthew Catholic School.
“We teach knowledge and critical skills so that students can function fully as citizens
within a changing technological and multicultural society.”
The curriculum of St. Matthew Catholic School incorporates our mission statement by:
� Integrating the living Gospel message
� Maximizing each child’s potential
� Teaching the value of service
The Gospel message is ever-present in the minds of our faulty, teachers and students
and the Word is incorporated daily from morning prayer to our weekly Mass. This positive
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environment provides a focus on the student designed to help them maximize their
potential in academics. As a Catholic school, our students are taught the value of service.
Service to those in our school, our parish, our community and our world is integrated
throughout the curriculum in school-wide service projects and class-adopted projects.
Some projects are continual while others are planned during special times, such as Advent
and Lent. Service hours are a requirement for graduation from the middle school.
Core Curriculum Courses
Religion is the center of our curriculum. The aim of religious instruction is to teach the basic doctrines and traditions of our Catholic faith. Family life issues are also incorporated. Each child nourishes the personal relationship with God and experiences the depth and beauty of spiritual life within the St. Matthew Church Community through participation in liturgies, prayer services and the traditional activities and celebrations of the Liturgical Year. Formal instruction takes place in daily religion class. Students attend Mass weekly. The students (by class or grade level) take turns preparing the liturgies for the all-school Mass.
The Sacrament of Penance – also called Reconciliation, Confession or the Sacrament of
Forgiveness is celebrated with the students. Students in second grade are prepared for
the initial reception of the Sacraments of Penance and Eucharist. Older students who
have not received these sacraments will also be prepared for those sacraments. Parents
are expected to participate in the preparation and to attend special sacramental
preparation meetings.
Gospel Values are integrated throughout the curriculum.
Language Arts incorporates the components of reading, spelling, language structure,
composition and penmanship at all grade levels. The main goal of the program is to
teach the child to think and read clearly, listen attentively and develop self-expression in
both oral and written form.
Reading is taught by a strong phonics approach, which leads to the further development
of oral and comprehension skills. Reading exposes children to literature and fosters a
lifelong interest in reading for pleasure.
Language Arts in fourth through eighth grade is taught through a holistic approach using
Novel Studies. Teachers in fourth through eighth grade will integrate and incorporate
grammar, spelling, writing and critical thinking components of Language Arts instruction
through the various genres of literature, including non-fictional and fictional classics.
Students will use their iPads to read their novels on iBooks and use various apps to
complete homework and create final projects for their portfolios.
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Mathematics is developmental and sequential. The students learn mathematical facts,
operations, and algorithms appropriate to their grade level in accordance with
Archdiocesan Standards and the Texas TEKS. St. Matthew uses the Pearson Math
program. It is an on-line based mathematics program and students use their iPads to
access their Math units. Mathletics, reinforces the TEKS, and is accessible online or
through the iPad app. Successmaker, is a self-paced, computer-based program, to
enhance math skills. Math tutoring is also available and may be arranged through the
school counselor.
Science provides the student with an awareness of the physical world, knowledge of the
life forms that share our planet and knowledge of the earth. St. Matthew uses the
Pearson Science program. It is an on-line based science program and students use their
iPads to access science lessons. The program incorporates “Hands On” science which
makes the content relevant to the students and makes abstract concepts concrete. Labs
are an integral part of the middle school science program. Middle school students will
study and use the scientific method in science lab experiments and manipulate data in
computer lab activities.
Social Studies develops the responsibilities of citizenship within the family, church,
school, community, country and the world. It is taught at all grade levels with an
emphasis on Texas History and Government in grades four and seven, world cultures
and governments in grade six, and American History and United States Government in
grades five and eight. Seventh and eighth grade students participate in the city-wide
Annual San Antonio Regional History Day as part of their History curriculum.
Co-Curriculum Courses
Spanish is the foreign language offered to students at St. Matthew. The course of study
includes vocabulary and grammar using the spoken language. In order to enrich the
student’s understanding and appreciation of the language, and of our local culture,
students investigate the various cultural traditions in which Spanish is spoken.
Physical Education promotes physical growth and development as well as the mental,
emotional and social well-being of each child. Physical development, coordination and
basic skills are taught with an emphasis on good sportsmanship. A parent/guardian must
send a note to the school nurse if his/her child is unable to participate in physical
education.
Computer Literacy is offered in grades second through sixth and required in seventh and
eighth grades. The course of study is aimed at word processing, keyboard and
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spreadsheet proficiency. It teaches the nature and history of the Internet as well as the
mechanics of how to use it and the effective use of the Internet.
Fine Arts nurture an understanding and an appreciation of self-expression and group
harmony. These basic skills are fostered through the introduction of different media.
Art is a weekly part of the curriculum in Pre-K through fifth grade. It is also a middle
school elective.
Music is a weekly part of the curriculum in Pre-K through fifth grade. Seventh and eighth
grade students may choose the Hand Bell Choir as an elective.
iPad Initiative
St. Matthew Catholic School supplements instruction with iPad technology at all grade
levels. Students in Grade 4- Grade 8 are issued an iPad. This iPad is taken home for
homework/research/study. Most textbooks are accessed online or loaded onto the
iPad. The PreK-4 through Grade 3 students will use this technology in their classrooms.
Each grade (PreK-4-3rd gr.) will have a grade set of iPads that will be rotated among the
grade-level.
Honors Courses
Honors courses are offered for middle school students at St. Matthew Catholic School.
The faculty recommends students for placement into honors classes. These
recommendations are based on an annual review of each student’s grades,
standardized test scores (ITBS and STAR), and student attitudes and behaviors. The
student decides whether or not to accept the recommendation into a particular class.
The Course Card, signed by both the student and the parent/guardian, acknowledges
the student’s commitment to the program and explains the evaluation and re-evaluation
procedures.
Offerings for the school year 2015- 2016
Math Language
Arts
6th Grade Math 6H
7th Grade Math 7H Language Arts 7H
8th Grade Math 8H Language Arts 8H
Service Hours
Service hours are a requirement of the religion curriculum in Grades 6, 7 and 8
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• 6th grade students are required to perform 6 hours over the course of the
school year
• 7th grade students are required to perform 12 hours of service
• 8th grade students are required to perform 26 hours of service
Students who perform activities for the parish, school or local community without
compensation can receive service hours for the work done. Household chores are
not considered service hours. Service hours awarded over the summer break can
be applied. An explanation of the service hours requirements, and a full discussion
of the activities that can be performed for service credit, will take place in each
home room religion class. Students may start accumulating service hours over the
summer break by volunteering at Vacation Bible school or a similar activity.
Attendance Policies
Attendance policies, regarding being tardy and absences, will follow the Archdiocesan
policy #4301.
Ordinarily, a student may not receive credit for a class unless the student is in attendance
for at least 90 percent of the days the class is offered.
Students are to attend school unless there are valid reasons for absence. Local school
policy will determine when being tardy or other absences are to be excused. Valid
reasons, such as sickness, are considered excused. Invalid reasons, such as extra
vacation, are considered unlawful detention by the parents and are unexcused. In all
cases, students are responsible for all work missed and are subject to the local school
policies (or discretionary authority of the principal) for determination of whether absences
are excessive and to determine what consequences will be enforced.
An excused absence does not mean a student will not be marked absent. A student not
physically present at a school, excused or unexcused, is marked absent.
The school day for students is:
• Pre-K – Grade 3 8:00 AM – 3:05 PM
• Grades 4 – 8 8:00 AM – 3:20 PM
Students arriving prior to 7:45 a.m. must go directly to the Morning Care Program in the
cafeteria. NO STUDENT MAY ENTER THE BUILDING/CLASSROOM BEFORE 7:45 A.M.
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WITHOUT PERMISSION FROM A TEACHER OR A MEMBER OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE
STAFF.
The Texas Education Code (TEC) § 25.087 (Excused Absences) requires students to
attend school each day. The TEC allows for students to be excused for any cause
acceptable to the teacher, principal or superintendent.
Recording Attendance
If a student is absent, the parent/guardian must notify the school office by 8:30 a.m.
Otherwise the student may be considered truant. Parents may email the school office or
the Home Room Teacher. Written excuses for all absences must be turned into the
student’s homeroom teacher upon the student’s return to school.
Any student missing more than 2hrs. (120 minutes) of the school day is marked absent
for that day.
Students who are absent for three or more consecutive days, must have a signed doctor’s
note explaining the reason for the absence.
According to the Archdiocesan policy #4301 extra vacation days are considered unlawful
detention by the parent/guardian and are unexcused.
State law and St. Matthew School demand that a student must attend 90% of the teaching
days per school year or may be required to repeat the grade. Therefore, eighteen (18)
unexcused absences constitute a loss of credit and the student may have to repeat the
grade or attend summer school to make up for the number of excessive absences.
A biweekly review of attendance will take place. The attendance of students with 8
absences, or for Middle School students 8 absences in a specific subject class, will be
reviewed by the attendance committee. This review could lead to a parent conference,
or to the issuance of an attendance contract and/or assignment to Saturday School.
Saturday School will be held on the fourth Saturday of the month at a cost to the student
of $100 per Saturday Refusal to serve Saturday School may result in the student being
suspended, expelled and/or denied re-admission for the upcoming year.
Unexcused Absence
For every unexcused absence the student will be able to make up the work with a 20%
penalty for work missed.
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Make-up Work
Each Student has the responsibility to make up work and/or tests that are missed due to
the absence.
Students will be allowed a reasonable amount of time to make up the work and the due
dates are to be coordinated with each teacher during the first day back.
If an assignment, a long-term project or a test was assigned, prior to the absence, it will
be due as scheduled or the first day back. Exceptions to be approved by the teacher.
Assignments may be requested from the front office or the classroom teacher(s) on the
second day the student is absent. Assignments may be picked up in the front office at
the end of the school day. E-mail communication may also be used to gather homework
information when a student is absent.
Assignments for excused absences for two or less days may be requested from the
teacher when the student returns to school. This should include a meeting with the Art,
Computer and Spanish teacher for first through fifth grade students.
The student must take the initiative to meet with the teachers and schedule a time to
make up the work.
A student who misses school for reasons other than illness must be prepared to return
to school and make up the work and/or tests missed.
Tardy
Prompt arrival at school is expected of all students. A student who is not in his or her
seat at 8:00 a.m. is tardy. All reasonable attempts must be made to arrive on time.
Many factors can cause students to arrive late for school, most are beyond the control
of the student creating a situation in which usual discipline methods may seem unfair.
With this in mind, each student is granted 15 no fault tardy arrivals per school year. A
reason for being tardy is not required; however a tardy slip must be secured from the
office.
• After 10 tardy arrivals, a letter will be sent home to notify the family that they
are near the limit for the year.
• On the 16th tardy and with each subsequent tardy up to the 20th tardy a $5.00
charge will be assessed each time a student is late.
• Beginning with the 21st tardy and with each tardy thereafter, a $10.00 charge will
be added to the monthly tuition.
• Tardy arrivals will be reported on the student’s report card.
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Truancy
A student who is absent from school without the consent of his/her parent is truant.
Truant behavior is unexcused. A parent or guardian must accompany the student
before being re-admitted to school.
Releasing Students during School Hours
A student may be released from school during school hours into the custody only of those
persons listed on the student’s emergency information card. Identification of the person
to whom the student is released will be verified.
Parents or guardians must be notified by telephone to make suitable arrangements when
it is necessary to send a student home because of illness or other reason.
Documentation of this notification must be made.
Students will not be released from school, sent on errands off the school grounds or sent
home for books, homework, etc. without being accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Students may only be released through the school office.
Appointments
Medical and dental appointments should be made outside of the school hours. If this is
not possible, a parent or guardian must send a note to the teacher on the morning of
the appointment stating the time the student will be picked up. A parent/guardian must
sign the student out from the school office. No parent/guardian may go directly to the
classroom to pick up his/her child. The student will be notified to come to the office. A
student will not be released from school during school hours into the custody of any
person other than those listed on the emergency information card for the student.
Identification of the person to whom the student is released must be verified.
Release of Students to Police
he following procedures will be observed when students are released to police:
1. Ask for identification to verify that the person is a police officer. The officer is
not required to present a warrant to speak with a student, but will be required
to wait until parents are notified and given reasonable time to come to St.
Matthew Catholic School.
2. Contact and ask the parents or guardian to come to the school to be present
with the student during the interview. If a parent or guardian cannot come to
school, the principal or his/her designee will sit in for the interview in loco parentis.
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3. A warrant for arrest must be presented by a police officer before removing the
student from the school. If the student has been involved in some suspected
illegal activity immediately prior to the police arrival on campus, or while the
police officer is present, the principal must contact the parent or guardian to
come to the school. If the parent or guardian cannot come, the principal or
designee must accompany the student to the police station.
4. Contact the superintendent immediately if a student is arrested.
Academic Honesty
ST. MATTHEW CATHOLIC SCHOOL CARDINAL RULE # 6: BE HONEST
St. Matthew Catholic School expects honesty in every aspect of school life. Academic
dishonesty involves presenting work that is not yours or helping others to do the same.
These are some examples of cheating or dishonesty:
• Copying someone else’s homework or class work
• Giving homework or class work to someone to be copied
• Plagiarizing – claiming as your own another person’s work ideas, or words (as in
using a quotation without citing the source)
• Using notes (“a cheat sheet”, writing on your hand, etc.)
• Giving or receiving help on a test by-
� Talking
� Showing work to another person during a test
� Talking about the test to someone who has not yet taken the test
� E-mailing, photographing, text messaging or any form or electronically
communicating information about the test to someone who has not yet
taken the test
COLLABORATIVE ASSIGNMENTS
Learning to work with others is an important component of academics. There are many
occasions when students will be working in pairs or groups on specific assignments and
projects. These activities will be clearly stated as collaborative or group activities and
these do not fall under the umbrella of cheating.
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Students will sometimes need the help of a parent, sibling or peer with homework and
long-term assignments. These are open to discussion and to demonstration for the
purposes of comprehension. Assignments which are handed to the teacher for a grade
should ultimately be the work of the student.
Homework Policy
Homework assignments serve to review and reinforce that which has been presented in class. Homework gives parents/guardians an opportunity to observe their child’s progress as well as any problem areas that might require immediate consultation with the teacher. Parents/guardians should offer their child(ren) positive encouragement, thus aiding in the development of good work habits, independence and a sense of responsibility. If a student has an unexcused absence, he/she may not be able to make up the work for that day. Keep in mind that written homework is not the only kind of homework. Students are encouraged to read or drill in areas of weakness even when no formal homework has been assigned. Homework is normally not assigned over the weekend in an effort to foster family activities. There will be times, however, when completed homework will be expected after a weekend. Long-term projects (Science Fair, book reports, etc.) are examples of assignments that could involve weekend homework.
These are the St. Matthew Catholic School guidelines regarding the total length of
homework assignments each night:
1st – 3rd 15 – 45 minutes
4th – 5th 45 - 60 minutes
6th – 8th 1 – 2 hours.
Lunch Study Hall
Lunch study hall is mandated for those middle school students who have not completed
their homework assignments and have come to class unprepared. Teachers may
request that students use that time to make up work due to absences.
Report Cards
All tuition and fees are to be current in order for a report card to be issued.
Parents/guardians are encouraged to keep in close communication with their child’s
teacher during the school year. Conferences can be arranged through communication
with the office, with the school counselor or with the child’s teacher.
• Progress reports are sent at the midway point of each grading period.
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• Parent-teacher conferences will be scheduled during the first grading period.
• An electronic copy of the report card will be sent home at the end of each
quarter.
• A hard copy of the report card, signed by the principal and indicating promotion
status, is placed in the student’s permanent record folder. A hard copy of the
report card can be requested through the school office.
Parents are encouraged to follow student progress and grades through regular visits to
their online, RenWeb school accounts.
Grading System/Honor Roll
Report Cards will be issued electronically four times per school year. Hard copies can be
requested through the school office.
Parent-Teacher conferences will be held after progress reports are issued for the first
quarter. No report card is issued to a family who is delinquent in their tuition.
The following are the Archdiocesan Academic Grading System Guidelines:
Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten and First Grade
E Excellent Progress
V Very Good Progress
G Good Progress
L Limited Progress
Second Grade through Eighth Grade
94-100 Exceptionally High Achievement
85-93 High Achievement
75-84 Average Achievement
70-74 Low Achievement
0-69 Failure to Master Material
Pre-Kindergarten through 5th Grade: Interpretation of Mastery in Standard
Skills
+ Skill Mastery Exceeds Expectations
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Skill Mastery Meets Expectations
-- Skill Mastery is Below Expectations
St. Matthew follows the Archdiocesan guidelines in its Conduct Grading System. The
following indicators show the progress in Christian Growth, Work Study Skills, Conduct
and the academic development in P.E., Art, Music, Technology and Handwriting.
O Outstanding
S Satisfactory
I Improvement Needed
U Unsatisfactory
Honor Roll
Students in fourth through eighth grade are eligible for honor roll each nine-week
grading period. The following criteria must be met:
High Honors
4th – 8th
94-100 in all subjects
S or above in conduct for all subjects
For the Middle School (grades 6-8), the
student’s conduct grade will be assigned
based on the following:
O=no Disciplinary Notices (DN), or
detentions in the discipline folder
S= no more than 1 detention
I= 2 detentions
U= 3 detentions or a suspension during
the nine weeks
Honors
4th – 8th
85-100 in all subjects
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S or above in conduct for all subjects
The student’s conduct grade is assigned as
stated above.
Promotion Policy
There are no social promotions in Archdiocesan schools. Students are promoted to the
next grade level based on their academic achievement. The following are the specific
regulations for promotion for the various grade levels:
Kindergarten – Sufficient progress in reading and mathematics must be
demonstrated in order for a student to be promoted.
1st Grade – A student must have at least a “G” final average in Reading
and Mathematics in order to be promoted to the next grade.
Grades 2-5 A student must have at least a “70” final average in Religion,
English, Reading, Mathematics and an overall 70 average. A student who
fails Reading and Mathematics is not promoted.
Grades 6-8 A student must have at least a “70” average in all core
subjects: Religion, English, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies. A
student who fails more that two (2) core subjects will not be promoted.
Archdiocesan summer school is available, in some cases, for students who
fail one or two core curriculum subjects.
The administration reserves the right to refuse re-admission to any student
who has failed any grade for the year. Proof of completion of summer school
will be required for re-admission to St. Matthew Catholic School.
Conferences
The phone number for the school secretary is 478-5044. All faculty members can be
accessed through the school secretary. Teachers can also be contacted via email.
Parent-teacher conferences must be scheduled with the individual teacher. A parent
wishing to discuss a concern will first address the teacher or teachers concerned. The
principal and/or assistant principal will then schedule a conference with the parent if
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there is a request to do so. Please refer to the Grievance Procedure if the problem is
not resolved to your satisfaction.
Archdiocesan Testing Program and Test Scores
• Each school shall test according to the guidelines established by and available from
the Catholic Schools Office. The Archdiocesan Testing Program consists of the
following:
• All students in grade 1- 8 take the total battery of the Iowa Test of Basic Skills
(ITBS) according to the schedule set up each year by the Archdiocesan School
Office.
• Students in grade 2 and 6 also take the Otis-Lennon School Ability Test
• Students in grade 5 and 8 take the ACRE test for religion assessment.
• The Archdiocesan Testing Program includes standardized tests of general
achievement and scholastic ability. This balance should provide local schools and
the system as a whole with sufficient data for making realistic decisions about the
future goals of the system, its individual schools and individual students.
• ITBS scores will be sent home as soon as available. A report concerning the
ITBS scores of the students will be given to the School Council at the first
meeting possible after the scores are received.
Textbooks
Proper care of each textbook is the responsibility of the student. The parent/guardian
must pay for all books that are damaged. Hardback textbooks must be covered at all
times.
Private School Interscholastic Association (PSIA)
St. Matthew will participate in the Private School Interscholastic Association (PSIA).
PSIA is an education organization offering academic contests for students in Private
Schools throughout Texas.
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Code of Code of Code of Code of ConductConductConductConduct Harassment-Free Environment for Students
St Matthew Catholic School does not condone harassment of any kind including bullying
in any of its forms. All students are to be treated with dignity and respect. Harassment
in any form is prohibited and will be immediately addressed. This prohibition against all
acts of harassment applies to all people engaged in all school related activities: all
students; all school administrators and teachers, regular or temporary, part-time or full-
time employees; volunteers, itinerant instructors, and consultants.
St Matthew Catholic School defines harassment and bullying as follows:
Repeated intentional negative gestures and/or actions, either verbal, written,
physical or by electronic and/or cyber means, on the part of one student or a
group of students towards another student. This type of behavior includes but is
not limited to unwelcomed, unwarranted, unsolicited, inappropriate, unkind,
harmful and/or hurtful statements, either verbal or written, by physical touching
or by any electronic or cyber means.
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Student Code of Conduct
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Parent Rights and Responsibilities
Parents Rights
• To be given a copy of the Harassment Policy. • To contact teachers or administration with questions regarding the policy. • To expect that their child will be taught in a safe and respectful classroom. • To be contacted when their child is receiving discipline under this policy
Parents Responsibilities
• Review St Matthew’s “Cardinal” Rules and Student Code of Conduct with their
child on a regular basis
• Inform administration of events that affect their child’s wellbeing • Teach child socially acceptable standards of behavior • Teach child to be responsible for their actions. • Teach child to express their concerns that affect their well being to appropriate
school personnel • To support the school in sustaining a welcoming, caring and safe environment.
Teacher Rights and Responsibilities
Teacher Rights
• To be treated with respect by parents and students
• To be able to teach without disruption from students
Teacher Responsibilities
• Communicate classroom expectations/consequences to parents and students • Demonstrate respect and care for students
• Contact parents when students fail to meet expectations with regards to any
school policy
• Follow the St Matthew Catholic School harassment discipline policy
Examples
Harassment can be experienced in many forms.
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(This is intended as a sample of areas of potential harassment and is not all
inclusive)
Type Direct Indirect
Physical
• Hitting
• Kicking
• Pushing
• Spitting, biting
• Pinching, scratching
• Throwing things at people
• Getting another person to
harm someone
Verbal • Mean and hurtful name calling
• Hurtful teasing
• Demanding money or
possessions
• Obscene language
• Spreading nasty rumors
• Trying to get other students to
dislike another student
Social intimidation • Threatening gestures
• Obscene gestures
• Racist or sexist remarks
• Deliberate exclusion from a
group or activity
• Removing, hiding and/or
damaging another’s property
Cyber (email, texting, phone,
internet messaging, electronic
media and other internet
mediums)
i.e. You Tube and Facebook
• Mean, belittling and hurtful
name calling
• Threatening and/or obscene
language
• Offensive images
• Repeated unwanted messages
• Spreading nasty rumors
• Trying to get other students to
dislike another student
• Using another student’s
password or phone to
communicate obscene
language
Consequences for Bullying or other acts of Harassment
St. Matthew Catholic School staff and administrators shall implement the school’s
Discipline Policy when administering disciplinary action for reported bullying and
harassment behavior or actions. The following factors will be taken into consideration
when determining appropriate consequences: age, development, degree of harm,
surrounding circumstances, nature and severity of the behavior, incidences of past or
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continuing patterns of behavior, relationship between involved parties, and the context
in which the alleged incident has occurred.
ST. MATTHEW CATHOLIC SCHOOL
A RUBRIC FOR POSSIBLE CONSEQUENCES OF BULLYING BEHAVIORS
The administration retains absolute discretion to punish students on a case-by-case basis in
conformity with the nature and degree of particularized conduct
B BULLY
BEHAVIOR
CODE
BEHAVIOR BEHAVIOR FIRST
INCIDENT
BEHAVIOR
SECOND INCIDENT
BEHAVIOR
THIRD INCIDENT
A
RIDICULE
Called names, made fun
of, spread rumors about,
told lies or teased about
looks or clothes
-Conference with Student
-Bullying Contract
discussion
-Loss of Privileges
- Parent contact
- Conference with counselor
- DN (Disciplinary Notice)
sent home
- LD (Lunch detention
detention)/ASD (After
school detention)
-Conference with Student
-Bullying Contract Issued
-Parent/Guardian Contacted
- Multiple LD/ASD
- Conference with Counselor
-Student/Parent Conference
-Multiple ASDs
- ISS/OSS (In School
Suspension/ Out of School
Suspension)
-Behavior Contract Issued
-Counselor meetings
required
- Meeting with a member
St. Matthew clergy
B
EXCLUSION
Shunning, gave dirty
looks , spread rumors
about a student
-Conference with student
-Bullying Contract
discussion
-Loss of privileges
- Parent contact
- Conference with Counselor
- DN sent home
- LD or ASD
-Conference with Student
-Bullying Contract Issued
-Parent/Guardian Contacted
- Conference with Counselor
- Multiple LDs/ASDs
- Conference with Counselor
-Student/Parent Conference
-Multiple ASDs
- ISS/OSS
-Behavior Contract Issued
-Counselor meetings
required
-Meeting with a member
St. Matthew clergy
C
PHYSICAL
Offensive Physical
Contact (Hit, kicked,
pushed, shoved around,
spit at)
-Conference with Student
-Bullying Contract
discussion
-Loss of privileges
-Conference with Student
-Bullying Contract Issued
-Parent/Guardian Contacted
-Student/Parent Conference
-Multiple ASDs
- ISS/ OSS
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CONTACT -Conference with Counselor
-Parent contact
- Multiple LDs or ASDs
- ISS/OSS
- Conference with Counselor
- Multiple LDs/ASDs
- ISS and /or OSS
-Behavior Contract Issued
-Counselor meetings
required
- Meeting with a member
St. Matthew clergy
D
OFFENSES
AGAINST
PROPERTY
Stole another student’s
money, damaged or
destroyed personal
property
-Conference with Student
-Bullying Contract
discussion
-Loss of privileges
- Conference with Counselor
-Parent contact
-Restitution for the loss
- LD or ASD
- ISS/OSS
-Conference with Student
-Bullying Contract Issued
-Parent/Guardian contacted
- Conference with Counselor
-Restitution for the loss
- Multiple LDs/ASDs
- ISS and /or OSS
-Student/Parent Conference
-Multiple ASDs
- ISS/OSS
-Behavior Contract Issued
-Counselor meetings
required
-Restitution for loss
-Meeting with a member
St. Matthew clergy
E
THREATS
Forced another student
to do something he/she
did not want to do or
threatening the person to
maintain silence
-Conference with Student
-Bullying Contract
discussion
-Loss of privileges
- Conference with Counselor
-Parent contact
- LD or ASD
- ISS/OSS
-Conference with Student
-Bullying Contract Issued
-Parent/Guardian Contacted
- Conference with Counselor
-Detention
- ISS and /or OSS
-Student/Parent Conference
-Multiple ASDs
- ISS/OSS
-Behavior Contract Issued
-Counselor meetings
required
-Meeting with a member
of St. Matthew clergy
F
DISCRIMINATION/
BIAS
Called names, harassed
or made comments
about (or actions)
toward another student
because of their race,
religion, ethnicity,
disability, sexual
orientation or family
-Conference with Student
-Bullying Contract
discussion
-Loss of privileges
- Conference with Counselor
-Parent contact
- LD and/or ASD
- ISS and/or OSS
-Conference with Student
-Bullying Contract Issued
-Parent/Guardian Contacted
-Conference with Counselor
-Detention
- ISS and /or OSS
-Student/Parent Conference
-Multiple ASDs
- ISS/OSS
-Behavior Contract Issued
-Counselor meetings
required
-Restitution for loss
-Meeting with a member
of St. Matthew clergy
G
HUMILIATION
Humiliated publically
through words or
actions, Internet, cell
phone or electronic
communication, or
posting slander in public
places
-Conference with Student
-Bullying Contract
discussion
-Loss of privileges
- Conference with Counselor
-Parent contact
-Conference with Student
-Bullying Contract Issued
-Parent/Guardian Contacted
-Conference with Counselor
-Detention
-ISS and /or OSS
-Student/Parent Conference
-Multiple ASDs
- ISS/OSS
-Behavior Contract Issued
-Counselor meetings
required
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- LD and/or ASD
- ISS and/or OSS
-Meeting with a member of
St. Matthew clergy
NOTE: EXPULSION CAN/WILL OCCUR BASED ON THE SEVERITY OF THE ACT
OR BEHAVIOR AND IS NOT LIMITED TO ANY NUMBERED INCIDENT OR
INFRACTION.
ELECTRONIC BEHAVIOR: Any of the behaviors listed above that are communicated
and/or distributed electronically are subject to the same consequences as described
above.
Since bystander support of harassment or bullying can support bullying
behaviors, St Matthew Catholic School prohibits both active and passive support for acts of harassment or bullying. The staff will encourage students to support students who walk away from these acts when they see them,
constructively attempt to stop them, or report them to the designated authority.
Discipline Referral Form
The following form will be used to document all reported incidents of student on
student bullying. The Administration will assist students in the lower grades by filling
out the report.
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48
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Specific steps to be taken
If reported by student being harassed
1. School employee is to prevent the continuation of alleged harassment by
separating both parties while not discriminating against either party.
2. School employee receiving notification of alleged harassment is to note time,
location, potential witnesses, offending party and provide information to Principal
or his/her designee as soon as possible after the alleged harassment occurred.
Principal or his/her designee is to complete the harassment complaint form (and
begin the investigation.
3. Upon completion of the investigation, the Principal or his/her designee will
implement appropriate disciplinary action which could consist of a warning to the
offending student, suspension, or ultimately expulsion.
4. The principal will be responsible for notifying the parents of both parties when
appropriate.
5. The Principal or his/her designee will follow up with the affected student to
reassure them that harassment will not be tolerated, let them know that
disciplinary action was taken when appropriate (will not share specific disciplinary
action), and let them know that they will be following up to make sure that the
harassment has stopped.
6. The Principal or his/her designee will follow up with the affected student no
longer than 2 weeks from the incident to ensure that there has not been a
reoccurrence of the harassment.
7. The Principal or his/her designee will be responsible for documenting all
communication and disciplinary actions in the students record within RenWeb.
If reported by Parent, faculty member, employee, or other witness to the
alleged harassment.
1. The individual reporting the event will be provided a short form to be filled out
which will detail the alleged harassment, witnesses, time and location of the
event.
2. The Principal or his/her designee will review the report and log it as received.
3. The Principal or his/her designee will be responsible for conducting the
investigation and will utilize both internal and external resources where
appropriate.
4. The principal will bear sole responsibility for determining punishment which could
include a verbal warning, suspension, or expulsion if a repeat offender or if the
offense is warranted to be of a serious enough nature.
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5. The Principal or his/her designee will be responsible for notifying parents of the investigation and disciplinary action taken (specific punishment information will
not be provided to individuals without a legal right to know).
6. Upon completion of setting punishment the principal or his/her designee will
notify the person who filled out the original complaint that the issue has been
closed. Due to confidentiality rules, the principal can not release the actual
punishment information.
7. The issue will be recorded in the student’s conduct record within RenWeb
Discipline…
Our Catholic faith calls for discipline that is derived from respect, compassion and
understanding of each other. St. Matthew Catholic School joins the parents in accepting
responsibility for helping children to learn to control their own behavior and to be
responsible for their own words and actions. Children are guided toward this goal in an
atmosphere conducive to learning with a strong emphasis on spiritual and moral growth.
Parents and students are expected to comply with directives and all school policies.
Parents are expected to support the disciplinary process and to cooperate fully with the
administration and the faculty in the enforcement of these policies. Lack of cooperation
on the part of the parents and/or the student may jeopardize the present and future
enrollment of a student.
Additionally, it is important for parents to understand that the Administration reserves
the right to modify and/or add new directives and consequences to this discipline policy,
as individual circumstances require. The Administration reserves the right, in serious
cases, to circumvent the disciplinary process stated below.
Self-esteem will be nurtured as part of a “peacemaking discipline” to be employed in the
classroom. This program will establish expectations for student behavior and correct
any behavior that disrupts the student or others in the classroom. Each of the units
(Pre-K & Kindergarten; 1-3; 4-5; 6-8) has developed steps for appropriate behavior in
their grade levels. Homeroom teachers will hand out classroom rules that follow the
Discipline Policy. However, six cardinal rules of conduct will be followed throughout the
school:
1. Show respect for yourself, adults, others, the St. Matthew uniform, and all
property.
2. Be prepared for school and all activities.
3. Allow others to work undisturbed.
4. Follow directions.
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5. Keep your hands to yourself.
6. Be honest.
St. Matthew School will provide an environment free of physical, verbal and sexual
harassment. Refer to this Student/Parent Handbook for St. Matthew policy on
harassment.
The Administration reserves the right to modify and/or add new directives and
consequences to this discipline policy as individual circumstances require and may not
be included in this handbook. Specific questions can be directed to the School
Administration.
Disciplinary action will be taken in the form of disciplinary notices, detention, disciplinary
referrals, suspension and expulsion. These forms will be sent home with the student for
parent signature and a notice will be sent electronically through the Ren Web
communication system. Instances that involve suspension and expulsion will involve
immediate parent contact.
Computers and Telecommunications
Acceptable Use Policy
Computing, data storage and information retrieval systems are designed to serve the
students, faculty, staff and volunteers of the school community. Network and Internet
access is provided to further the legitimate education goals of St. Matthew School. The
school provides computing and network resources for the use of students, employees
and others affiliated with the school. Members of the school community are encouraged
to use the computers, software packages, electronic mail (E-mail) or outside the school
network software for educational or school related activities and to facilitate the efficient
exchange of useful information. However, the equipment, software and network
capacities provided through the school computer services are, and remain, the property
of the school. All users are expected to conduct their on-line activities in an ethical and
legal fashion. The use of these resources is a privilege, not a right. Misuse of these
resources will result in the suspension or loss of these privileges, as well as disciplinary,
legal and/or monetary consequences. Appropriate or acceptable educational uses; these
resources include the following:
1. Accessing the Internet to retrieve information from libraries, databases and World
Wide Web sites to enrich and expand curriculum is encouraged.
2. E-mail capabilities may be used to facilitate distance learning projects.
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3. List servers and news groups may be used to gain access to current information
on local, state, national and world events.
Examples of inappropriate or unacceptable use(s) of these resources include, but are
not limited to, those uses that violate the law, the rules of network etiquette or hamper
the integrity or security of any network connected to the Internet. Some unacceptable
practices include:
1. Transmission of any material in violation of any U.S. or state law including, but
not limited to, copyright material, threatening, harassing, pornographic, obscene
material or material protected by trade secret is prohibited. The transmission of
copyrighted materials without the written permission of the author or creator
through school E-mail or other computer messages that are sexually explicit
constitute harassment, which is prohibited by St. Matthew School. It is also illegal
for anyone to knowingly allow any telecommunications facility under their control
to be used for the transmission of illegal material.
2. The use of school resources for financial gain (personal or commercial), product
advertisement, political lobbying, the sending of unsolicited junk mail or chain
letters is prohibited.
3. Vandalism is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, any attempt to harm
or destroy the data of another user, the network/Internet or any networks or sites
connected to the network/Internet. Attempts to breach security codes and/or
passwords will also be considered a form of vandalism.
4. The creation, propagation and/or use of computer viruses are prohibited.
5. The forgery, reading, deleting, copying or modifying of electronic mail messages of other
users is prohibited.
6. Deleting, examining, copying or modifying files and/or data belonging to other users are
prohibited.
7. Willful destruction of computer hardware or software, or attempts to exceed or modify
the parameters of the system is prohibited. Nothing in this policy shall prohibit the school
operator from intercepting and stopping E-mail messages having the capacity to overload
the computer resources. Discipline may be imposed for intentional overloading of school
computer resources.
Access to the school E-mail and similar electronic communications systems are a privilege and
certain responsibilities accompany that privilege. School users are expected to demonstrate the
same level of ethical and professional manner as is required in face-to-face or written
communications. Anonymous or forged messages will be treated as a violation of this policy.
1. Unauthorized attempts to access another person’s E-mail or similar electronic
communications or to use another student’s name, E-mail or computer address or
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workstation to send E-mail or similar electronic communications is prohibited and may
subject the individual to disciplinary action.
2. All users must understand that the school cannot guarantee the privacy or confidentiality
of electronic documents and any messages that are confidential, as a matter of law,
should not be communicated over the E-mail.
3. St. Matthew School reserves the right to access E-mail, to retrieve school information
and records, to engage in routine computer maintenance and housekeeping, to carry out
internal investigations or to disclose messages, data or files to law enforcement
authorities.
4. Any information contained on a school computer’s hard drive or computer disks, which
were purchased by the school, is considered the property of the school.
This policy applies to stand alone units as well as units connected to the network or the Internet.
Any attempt to violate the provisions of this agreement will result in revocation of the user’s
privileges, regardless of the success or failure of the attempt. In addition, school disciplinary
action and/or appropriate legal action may be taken. The decision of St. Matthew School
regarding inappropriate use of the technology or telecommunication resources is final.
Monetary compensation will be sought for damage necessitating repair or replacement of
equipment.
Use of Electronic Communication – Archdiocese Policy 4608
Whether occurring within or outside of school, when a student’s use of electronic communication jeopardizes the safe environment of the school or is contrary to Gospel values, the student can be subject to the full range of disciplinary consequences, including expulsion.
This policy applies to communications or depictions through email, text messages, or web site postings, whether they occur through the school’s equipment or connectivity resources or through private communication, which: (1) are of a sexual nature; (2) threaten, libel, slander, malign, disparage, harass or embarrass members of the school community; or (3) cause harm to the school community.
Use of Electronic Communication on School-sponsored field trips and
events
The members of the Yearbook Staff, when available, are the designated
photographers/videographers on class trips and for after-school events. Personal
photographs/videos, taken with cameras or electronic communication devices, must be
treated as exactly that-- personal. Teachers may assign specific objects to photograph
or video on a class trip or as a class project. Archdiocesan Policy regarding the Use of
Electronic Communication (see above) is very clear about communication that could
jeopardize the safe environment of the school or the students. Pictures or videos
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taken at school events, or at events where students other than members of your
family are present and being photographed in St. Matthew uniforms or other easily
identified clothing or costumes, are not to be electronically transmitted nor posted
onto personal social network pages. These protocols must be followed to ensure the
safety of all St. Matthew students.
Consequences of Cheating
When it has been determined that cheating has taken place, all students involved in
giving or receiving information will face disciplinary action. This will include receiving a
zero for the assignment, project or test, serving a detention and possibly (at teacher
discretion) re-submitting the assignment (a new grade will not be given). Multiple
infractions may lead to more severe consequences including suspension and expulsion.
Disciplinary Notices (DN)
The notice may serve as a communication tool after several classroom warnings have
been given and a favorable response has not been seen. An accumulation of three
Disciplinary Notices within a grading quarter will result in a Detention. A DN may be
issued for such behavior as: minor uniform violation, excessive talking in class, being
unprepared for class, eating in class without permission, chewing gum or any other
minor infraction of the rules of good behavior expected of the students. It should be
noted that any seemingly minor infraction may be viewed with more severity given the
context of a specific situation.
Detention
A detention is issued for more serious matters. The child and his/her parent/guardian
will be notified of the date and length of time of a detention before the day it is to be
served. If a student has been issued three Detentions in a nine-week grading period, a
Disciplinary Referral will be issued.
A detention may be assigned for behaviors such as: repeated disruption of class,
possession of prohibited electronic, or laser devices on campus, disrespectful attitude,
behavior, language, academic dishonesty or any other behavior deemed significant
enough by school personnel to warrant detention.
Disciplinary Referrals (DR)
A teacher writes a Disciplinary Referral when a student is sent to the office for a
conference with one of the school administrators. Depending on the circumstances, this
referral can lead to the issuance of a formal discipline slip: a Disciplinary Notice, a
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Detention, or a Suspension. A Disciplinary Referral may be issued for an accumulation
of Detentions in a grading period. A DR may also be issued for a series of infractions or
even for a single behavior such as obscene or offensive language or gestures, failure to
comply with school authorities, defiant words or gestures, Public Displays of Affections
(PDAs), destruction of property or any infraction deemed serious enough by the school
administrator to warrant this disciplinary step.
Any grave matter, as determined by the pastor or a school administrator, may be
considered grounds for suspension (which may last from one to three days), at the
discretion of the principal. Two suspensions within a school year are grounds for
expulsion.
A Disciplinary Referral may result in an in-school or out-of-school suspension. An
administrator will contact the parent/guardian for a conference if this course of action is
necessary. The fee for an in-school-suspension is $75 per day and will be added to the
next tuition invoice.
All discipline forms (Disciplinary Notice, Detention Notice, ISS OR OSS) sent home for a
parent/guardian signature must be returned the next school day. Parent and child
signatures on the discipline form signify that communication has taken place, not
necessarily that approval of the action has been given.
Suspension
An In-School Suspension (ISS) is issued for one of the following: An accumulation of 3
detentions by a student within a grading period, or a grave/serious infraction of a school
rule. A one-time fee of $75.00 is charged for an In-School Suspension. Repeated
disciplinary infractions that result in multiple assignments to ISS may result in removal
from St. Matthew School. A student who has had an in-school suspension will not be
eligible for field trips or special events unless the principal gives permission. However,
when a student’s class is taking a field trip, the student must report to school and
arrangements will be made for supervision.
Out-of-School Suspension (OSS) is issued for extremely grave infractions of a school rule
or a continuous disregard of school rules and regulations. A student who is placed in an
OSS may not return to the classroom until the parent and child have had a formal
meeting with the administration. The pastor will be consulted in deciding the final
disposition of a student placed on OSS. A student granted permission to return to classes
at St. Matthew Catholic School after being placed on OSS, will return under the terms of
a discipline contract which must be signed by the student, parent and administration.
Failure to comply with the terms of the discipline contract will result in immediate
removal from St. Matthew School. A student who has had an out-of-school suspension
will not be eligible for field trips or special events unless the principal gives permission.
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However, when a student’s class is taking a field trip, the student must report to school and
arrangements will be made for supervision.
A student receiving an ISS or OSS will be ineligible to participate in extra-curricular activities
during the week of the assigned suspension. Receiving an ISS or OSS may result in a student’s
expulsion from co–curricular activities.
Expulsion
Expulsion is a serious matter and will be invoked only as a last resort. Serious infractions
warrant a conference with the principal, assistant principal and pastor.
The following violations will result in an immediate Administrative review with the
possibility of expulsion from St. Matthew School:
1. Participates in disruptive activities by a group such as a gang.
2. Possesses uses or delivers narcotics, dangerous drugs or alcohol.
3. Smoking or use of any tobacco product on school property or at any school related
activity.
4. Possesses, uses or conceals a weapon (a weapon is any instrument which may
produce bodily harm or death) on school property or at a school related activity.
5. Threats of bodily injury or harm to a student or school personnel.
6. Assaults a student, parent or any school personnel.
7. Vandalizes school property or the property of others.
8. Engages in chronic or repeated behavior that disrupts the learning environment.
9. Sets off false alarms.
10. Serving multiple In-School Suspensions in a school year.
11. Serving an Out-of-School Suspension.
Locker and Lock Assignments
• All Middle School Students will be assigned to a specific locker number and a
specific lock and combination for that locker.
• Students are co-tenants of the locker space.
• The school will maintain a copy of the student’s lock combination, as well as, a
master key to unlock each individual locker.
• The school reserves the right to inspect all lockers at any time.
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• Assigned locker combinations are the responsibility of the individual student and
are not to be shared with other students.
Telephone Use
Permission to use the classroom phone must be obtained from the teacher. The office
phone is a business phone and students will be permitted to use it only in case of an
emergency. Forgotten homework, athletic equipment, etc. does not constitute an
emergency.
Cell Phones
Cell phones are to be turned off and kept in the student’s locker during the
school day. There shall be no cell phone usage until the student is under the
care, custody and/or control of his or her parent, guardian, and designated
person picking the student up from school or with the permission of
extracurricular moderator/coach/staff.
Class Trips are extensions of the school day and Student cell phones are not permitted
on Class Trips without specific written direction from the teacher and administration
approval.
Any student violating this cell phone rule (carrying a cell phone, making unauthorized
cell phone calls or text messages, have a phone go off during the school day) will have
the cell phone confiscated and will serve a detention.
A second infraction could result in more serious disciplinary action.
This rule applies to all forms of electronic communication devices that allow wireless
communication of any kind, including, but not limited to, SMART WATCHES.
Please be reminded that students are not encouraged to bring expensive items to
school. (See handbook for prohibited items at school, p. 47 and jewelry, p. 56). It is
the student’s responsibility not to share his/her locker combination; to keep his/her
locker locked at all times; and to keep electronic communication tools in the locker.
St. Matthew Catholic School is not liable for personal and other items due to loss,
theft, misplacement, damage, and destruction or otherwise, of any cell phone,
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electronic device or any other item that is brought onto the parish/school
property. Any student found tampering with/in possession of/or using personal
equipment that is not their personal property (without specific permission of the
owner of the property) will be subject to the full ramifications of the SMCS discipline
system, including expulsion.
St. Matthew will not tolerate vandalism or using someone else’s property without
permission. This use will be considered stealing and those in possession of and/or
using stolen materials will be reported to the authorities.
Prohibited Items at School
The following items are not permitted on school premises:
Inappropriate books, magazines/comics, music, pamphlets, literature or
software
Alcohol Entertainment Magazines Video games
Guns Tobacco in any form* Laser pointers
Fireworks Electronic devices and gadgets Drugs
Knives Any Music Playing Devices Shock Devices
Pump Sprays and Aerosol Sprays (i.e. Deodorant, body sprays, hairspray, cologne,
breath sprays, perfumes)
Highly Caffeinated “energy” drinks
*All tobacco products and e-cigarette tobacco substitutes are prohibited on the school
premises. St. Matthew Catholic School is a smoke-free environment.
Students are strongly discouraged from bringing expensive items to school. The list of
these items includes, but is not limited to, expensive purses, wallets, backpacks and
other personal accessories, including jewelry and computer software programs. St.
Matthew is not responsible for lost or stolen valuables.
The administration reserves the right to add to this list as needed
throughout the school year.
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Copyright
All employees, volunteers and students will abide by the federal copyright laws.
Employees, volunteers and students may copy print or non-print materials allowed by:
1. Copyright law.
2. Fair use guidelines.
3. Specific licenses or contractual agreements.
4. Other types of permission.
Employees, volunteers and students who willfully disregard copyright law are in
violation of the Archdiocesan policy and do so at their own risk and assume all liability.
Grievance Procedures.
All disciplinary actions/decisions that do not result in student expulsion will
be resolved at the local school level. Neither the local grievance council nor the
Archdiocesan
Council of Conciliation will hear these matters.
St. Matthew Catholic School provides an opportunity for individuals to be heard in
redress of a policy, regulation or decision that is perceived to inflict hardship on an
individual or group.
Student complaints will be presented by the students in the presence of their
parents/guardians.
The primary aim of the St. Matthew Catholic School complaint procedure is to establish
and publish the procedure to be followed and to provide fair notice and hearing of the
matter. Complaints may be heard from individuals, parents and parent organizations.
Complaint Resolution Process for Non-Disciplinary Issues
In conjunction with the local grievance policies, this complaint process is for
non-disciplinary issues. No complaint is to be acted upon until the following process
has been exhausted:
1. Any complaint about a teacher, employee or student must be addressed to the
School Administration first.
2. After hearing such complaint, the School Administrator will contact the party to
whom the complaint is lodged.
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3. The School Administrator will schedule appropriate time to listen to the person to
whom the complaint is directed against.
4. Parents have the right and obligation to be present if their son/daughter is part
of the complaint.
5. Once both parties have had a chance to share their particular points of view, on
the issue at hand, both parties will be brought together by the School
Administrator who will share, with those involved, what was heard, discovered
and judged to be the major issue or concern which brought the initial complaint.
6. The School Administrator offers a proposed solution to the complaint.
7. The hope is this process finds a resolution on common ground.
8. If the solution is acceptable to the parties involved, implementation is to take
place.
9. Written copies of the solution are to be given to all parties, including the Pastor
or his delegate.
10. This is to be done within 14 days of complaint being addressed.
If the proposed solution is not acceptable:
1. A committee of three members from the School Council will be appointed by the
President of the School Council to review the situation and complaint.
2. This is to be done within a 7-day period.
3. If the proposed solution seems appropriate, the School Council committee will re-
affirm such.
4. If needed, the School Council committee can also offer an alternative solution to
the issue.
If a solution is still not found:
1. The complaint will come before the Pastor, or his delegate, who will decide upon
the complaint and what solutions are to be implemented.
2. This is to be accomplished within a 10-day period.
Thus, if the process comes to the Pastor, the resolution will take place within a
month’s time from the initial date of complaint.
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Complaint against the Principal
The following procedures must be followed for filing and investigating a harassment
claim:
1. The person may first choose to tell the individual causing the harassment that the
conduct is offensive and must stop. If the objectionable behavior does not cease
immediately, the person must report the harassment to the Principal. In the case
of sexual harassment allegations, the person is free to raise the issue with another
administrator if he/she prefers to do so.
2. As soon as the verbal report has been given, the pastor or authorized agent must
report the incident to the parent (if applicable) and superintendent.
3. The person alleging harassment must file a formal, written complaint. The claim
against the principal will be investigated thoroughly by the pastor or authorized
agent involving only the necessary parties. Confidentiality will be maintained as
much as possible.
4. The investigation will include a meeting with the principal, sharing with him/her
the nature of the allegations as well as the name of the person bringing the
allegation.
5. Once the facts of the case have been gathered, the pastor or authorized agent,
in consultation with the superintendent, will decide what, if any, disciplinary
action is warranted. The disciplinary action will relate to the nature, context and
seriousness of the harassment and can include all disciplinary actions up to and
including immediate termination.
Complaint against Anyone Other Than the Principal
The following procedures must be followed for filing and investigating a harassment
claim:
1. The person may first choose to tell the individual causing the harassment that the
conduct is offensive and must stop. If the objectionable behavior does not cease
immediately, the person must report the harassment to the principal. In the case
of sexual harassment allegations, the person is free to raise the issue with another
administrator if he/she prefers to do so.
2. As soon as the verbal report has been given, the principal must report the incident
to the parent (if applicable) and superintendent;
3. The person alleging harassment must file a formal, written complaint. The claim
will be investigated thoroughly by the principal, involving only the necessary
parties. Confidentiality will be maintained as much as possible.
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4. The investigation will include a meeting with the principal and the person alleged
to have harassed, sharing with that person the nature of the allegations as well
as the name of the person bringing the allegation.
5. Once the facts of the case have been gathered, the principal, in consultation with
the pastor and superintendent, will decide what, if any, disciplinary actions are
warranted. The disciplinary action will relate to the nature, context and
seriousness of the harassment and can include all disciplinary actions up to and
including expulsion.
6. If the complaint is against a non-employee such as a parent, parishioner,
volunteer or vendor, the school will take steps, within its power, to investigate
and eliminate the problem.
Formal Grievance Procedures
Prior to the initiation of a formal grievance parents who seek redress for their expelled
child must first confer directly with the principal (“conference”) for resolution of the
situation.
If there is not a satisfactory resolution of the complaint, the following are steps in the
formal grievance procedure:
1. A written statement of the complaint, including a brief summary of the initial
conference, must be prepared and filed with the school council secretary within
(3) school days of the conference, or decision resulting there from, whichever is
later. The date and time of filing will be recorded on the original of the complaint.
2. The school council secretary will, within 24 hours of filing, inform and forward the
grievance to the Local Grievance Council ("LGC"), who will review the grievance
proceedings. If it deems necessary, the LGC may hear further statements,
evidence or arguments within (7) school days of its receipt of the grievance. The
LGC will render a decision within (10) school days of its receipt of the grievance.
3. If the aggrieved party is still not satisfied with the decision of the Grievance
Council, an appeal may be made to the pastor within three (3) school days of the
decision of the Grievance Council. The pastor/authorized agent will review all
documentation of the grievance procedure and set a date for hearing the grievance
with all parties of the initial grievance in attendance. This meeting will take place
within seven (7) school days of the pastor’s receipt of such an appeal. The pastor
will then render his decision within five (5) school days.
4. If the aggrieved party remains unsatisfied with the decision of the pastor, the
avenue of further appeal would be the Archdiocesan Council of Conciliation. Such
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an appeal must be sent in writing within five (5) school days of the pastor’s
decision.
Pending outcome of the formal grievance, only the principal or pastor/authorized agent
may, with or without condition, abate the expulsion or the termination.
Local Grievance Council – Composition
1. The local Grievance Council shall be composed of three members appointed by the
local School Council.
2. Individuals appointed to this Council should be people of integrity with some
expertise in education, human relations and conflict management, if possible.
3. One member may be a present or former School Council member. The other two
members should have no direct relationship to the school.
4. The appointment to the local Grievance Council is for one year and is renewable.
Local Grievance Council - Duties and Process
1. Both parties to the grievance will prepare a complete written statement of the
nature of the grievance and the remedies sought. The Council will review these
statements and the procedures followed and decide if additional steps need to be
taken or if it will uphold the decision of the principal.
2. If the decision of the council is to uphold the principal’s decision, then the process
moves to No. 8.
3. If the decision of the council is such that it feels that additional discussion of the
situation needs to take place, it will call a meeting of both parties to the grievance.
4. Each party to the grievance may be accompanied by one other individual who is
not an attorney and who will act as observer/advisor. This individual is not to
directly address the Grievance Council.
5. Both parties will appear before the Grievance Council together and make an oral
presentation of the written statements presented to the council. The aggrieved
party will make the first presentation. At no time is there to be cross-examination
or direct discussion between parties to the grievance.
6. After both presentations have been completed, the Council will enter into closed
session to consider the oral and written presentations.
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7. The Council may recall, together, both parties to the grievance for clarification of
points that may have been raised in either of the written or oral statements.
8. The Grievance Council will render its decision in writing according to the
prescribed grievance procedure.
St. Matthew Academic Organizations
NATIONAL JUNIOR HONOR SOCIETY
Students in the Middle School may be eligible for membership in The St. Matthew the
Evangelist Chapter of The National Junior Honor Society. The four criteria that must be
present for admission into the National Junior Honor Society are: scholarship,
leadership, citizenship and service. Students may be eligible for induction at the end of
their 6th grade year, 7th grade year or 8th grade year.
Scholarship is determined by the student’s average of 94% overall for the school year.
This is calculated at the end of third quarter. A nominated student initially meets the
scholarship requirement and is then invited to fill out a written application showing
evidence of his/her experiences in leadership and service activities. Citizenship is based
on a review of the student’s activities and behaviors in the school community, their
church community and their family, neighborhood, state or national communities.
Students will be selected for induction by a Faculty council. Once inducted into the
National Junior Honor Society, a student must maintain the academic and personal
behavior standards as outlined in their signed covenant or risk probation and/or
dismissed from the NJHS.
Student Council
Student Council is a school leadership organization of student representatives elected
from kindergarten through eighth grade. One representative is chosen for each class in
kindergarten through fourth grade. Two representatives are chosen from each class from
fifth through seventh grades and three representatives are chosen to represent each
eighth grade class. Students in grades K – 5 may not serve consecutive terms. The
Student Council Pledge embodies the essence of the Student Council Representative:
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“I promise to represent St. Matthew Catholic School and students to the best of my ability. I will set a positive example of Christian student leadership for all students to follow."
Safety Patrols
Safety Patrol members will consist of sixth through eighth grade students. Serving is an
honor and each student must be capable and responsible. Safety Patrols are expected
to maintain their grades and conduct while they serve. Safety Patrols must always
demonstrate a positive attitude and their behavior must set the proper example for
other students. Patrols assist in the safe movement of students to and from the school
building for Mass, prayer services and assemblies.
School Uniform…School Uniform…School Uniform…School Uniform… The St. Matthew Catholic School uniform has been selected to provide a neat appearance for our
students as well as remain functional and affordable. All students (PK-8th) are required to wear
the school uniform. The school uniform, including sweats and jackets, must be purchased at
either School Yard Uniforms, Wonderland of America’s Mall next to Burlington (210) 734-2912
or Parker School Uniforms, 2108 NW Military Hwy (210) 530-0087. The St. Matthew Catholic
School PTC offers periodic uniform resale opportunities throughout the year. Shoes may be
purchased from School Shoes Unlimited, 2019 Vance Jackson (210) 734-9003 (alternate shoe
brands must meet the requirements as described below). Other than school shoes, no alternate
brands or styles for any of the uniform components are allowed.
� Coats (only) may be worn over the uniform for outdoor activity on cold days.
� Sixth through eighth grade students are allowed to wear St. Matthew Letterman jackets.
� Uniforms (shirts, skirts and pants) must fit properly throughout the school year.
� Uniform length
Girls: The length of skirts, jumpers and walking shorts will not exceed 3 inches
from the floor when the student is kneeling. This measurement will be
consistent when measured from the floor on all sides of the skirt/jumper/shorts.
Boys: Boys pant length should cover the socks. Shorts should not be shorter
than 2.5 inches above the knee.
� Sweats are only for Pre-kinder through 3rd grade students.
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GIRLS
8th Grade: Dress Uniform
8th Grade: Daily Uniform
� White, poplin middy blouse with
school emblem patch applied to the
right back of blouse collar
� Blue tie
� Red Plaid Skirt
� Blue knee highs or tights (no
leggings) with black loafers; or
� White knee highs or tights (no
leggings), or white crew socks (no
logo or writing, over the ankle and
visible to the observer) with all
white leather tennis shoes (no
lights, color trim, or contrast soles)
� Optional – Blue pullover sweater
� Optional – Only plain white tank or
short sleeve t-shirt under middy
blouse
� White, poplin middy blouse with
school emblem patch applied to the
right back of blouse collar with blue
tie; or
� Red or white short-sleeve polo with
school emblem embroidered on left
front
� Red Plaid Skirt or red plaid
pants/walking shorts
� Blue knee highs or tights (no
leggings) with black loafers; or
� White knee highs or tights (no
leggings), or white crew socks (no
logo or writing, over the ankle and
visible to the observer) with all
white leather tennis shoes (no
lights, color trim, or contrast soles)
when wearing shorts/pants
� Optional – Blue pullover sweater
� Optional - Only plain white tank or
short sleeve t-shirt under middy
blouse or polo
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BOYS
8th Grade: Dress Uniform
8th Grade: Daily Uniform
� White short sleeve oxford dress
shirt with school emblem patch
applied to right sleeve
� Blue tie
� Khaki Pleated Long Pants
� Brown or Black Belt
� Black loafers or all white leather
tennis shoes (no lights, color trim or
contrast soles)
� White socks -no logo or writing,
over the ankle, and visible to the
observer
� Optional – Blue pullover sweater
� Optional – Only plain white short
sleeve t-shirt under the oxford shirt
� Red or white polo short sleeve knit
shirt with school emblem
embroidered on left front
� Khaki pleated short/long pants
� Brown or black belt
� All white leather tennis shoes (no
lights, color trim or contrast soles)
� White socks -no logo or writing,
over the ankle, and visible to the
observer
� Optional – Blue pullover sweater
� Optional – Only plain white short
sleeve t-shirt under the polo
� Optional – Red sweatshirt – this will
no longer be worn in the 2016-2017
school year
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GIRLS
6th & 7th Grade: Dress Uniform
6th & 7th Grade: Daily Uniform
� White, poplin middy blouse with school emblem patch applied to the right back of blouse collar
� Red tie
� Red Plaid Skirt
� White knee highs or tights (no leggings) with black loafers; or
� White knee highs or tights (no leggings), or white crew socks (no logo or writing, over the ankle, and visible to the observer) with all white leather tennis shoes (no lights, color trim or contrast soles);
� Optional – Red pullover sweater
� Optional – Only plain white tank or short sleeve t-shirt under middy blouse
� White, poplin middy blouse with school emblem patch applied to the right back of blouse collar with red tie; or
� Red or white short-sleeve polo with school emblem embroidered on left front
� Red Plaid Skirt or red plaid pants/walking shorts
� White knee highs or tights (no leggings) with black loafers; or
� White knee highs or tights (no leggings), or white crew socks (no logo or writing, over the ankle, and visible to the observer) with all white leather tennis shoes (no lights, color trim, or contrast soles) when wearing pants/shorts
� Optional – Red pullover sweater
� Optional - Only plain white tank or short sleeve t-shirt under middy blouse or polo
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BOYS
6th & 7th Grade: Dress Uniform
6th & 7th Grade: Daily Uniform
� White short sleeve oxford dress shirt with school emblem patch applied to right sleeve
� Khaki Pleated Long Pants
� Blue and red stripe tie
� Brown or Black Belt
� Black loafers or all white leather tennis shoes (no lights, color trim or contrast soles)
� White socks -no logo or writing, over the ankle, and visible to the observer
� Optional – Red pullover sweater
� Optional – Only plain white short sleeve t-shirt under the oxford shirt
� Red or white polo short sleeve knit shirt with school emblem embroidered on left front
� Khaki pleated short/long pants
� Brown or black belt
� All white leather tennis shoes (no lights, color trim or contrast soles)
� White socks -no logo or writing, over the ankle, and visible to the observer
� Optional – Red pullover sweater
� Optional – Only plain white short sleeve t-shirt under the oxford shirt
� Optional – Red sweatshirt – this will no longer be worn in the 2016-2017 school year
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GIRLS
4th & 5th Grade: Dress Uniform
4th & 5th Grade: Daily Uniform
� White, poplin middy blouse with school emblem patch applied to the right back of blouse collar
� Red Plaid tie
� Red Plaid Skirt
� White knee highs or tights (no leggings), or white crew socks with all white leather tennis shoes (no lights, color trim or contrast soles);
� Optional – Red pullover sweater
� Optional – Only plain white tank or short sleeve t-shirt under middy blouse
� White, poplin middy blouse with school emblem patch applied to the right back of blouse collar with red plaid tie; or
� Red or white short-sleeve polo with school emblem embroidered on left front
� Red Plaid Skirt or red plaid pants/walking shorts
� White knee highs or tights (no leggings), or white crew socks with all white leather tennis shoes (no lights, color trim or contrast soles)
� Optional – Red pullover sweater
� Optional - Only plain white tank or short sleeve t-shirt under middy blouse
� Optional – Red sweatshirt – this will no longer be worn in the 2016-2017 school year
� NO sweatpants
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� White short sleeve oxford dress shirt with school emblem patch applied to right sleeve
� Khaki Pleated Long Pants
� Blue and red stripe tie
� Brown or Black Belt
� All white leather tennis shoes (no lights, color trim or contrast soles)
� White socks -no logo or writing, over the ankle, and visible to the observer
� Optional – Red pullover sweater
� Optional – Only plain white short sleeve t-shirt under the oxford shirt
� Red or white short-sleeve polo with school emblem embroidered on left front
� Khaki pleated short/long pants
� Brown or black belt
� All white leather tennis shoes (no lights, color trim or contrast soles)
� White socks -no logo or writing, over the ankle, and visible to the observer
� Optional – Red pullover sweater
� Optional – Only plain white short sleeve t-shirt under the oxford shirt
� Optional – Red sweatshirt – this will no longer be worn in the 2016-2017 school year
� NO sweatpants
BOYS
4th & 5th Grade: Dress Uniform
4th & 5th Grade: Daily Uniform
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GIRLS
Kinder – 3rd Grade: Dress Uniform
Kinder – 3rd Grade: Daily Uniform
� White, poplin middy blouse with
school emblem patch applied to the
right back of blouse collar
� Red Plaid Jumper
� White knee highs or tights (no
leggings), or white crew socks with
all white VELCRO leather tennis
shoes (no lights, color trim or
contrast soles);
� Optional – Red Cardigan Sweater
� Optional – Only plain white tank or
short sleeve t-shirt under middy
blouse
� White, poplin middy blouse with
school emblem patch applied to
the right back of blouse collar; or
� Red or white short-sleeve polo
with school emblem embroidered
on left front
� Red Plaid Jumper or red plaid
pants/walking shorts
� White knee highs or tights (no
leggings), or white crew socks with
all white VELCRO leather tennis
shoes (no lights, color trim or
contrast soles)
� Optional – Red Cardigan Sweater
� Optional – Red sweatshirt and/or
sweatpants
� Optional - Only plain white tank or
short sleeve t-shirt under middy
blouse or polo
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� White short sleeve oxford dress shirt
with school emblem patch applied to
right sleeve
� Khaki Pleated Long Pants
� Blue and red stripe tie
� Brown or Black Belt
� All white VELCRO leather tennis
shoes (no lights, color trim or
contrast soles)
� White socks -no logo or writing, over
the ankle, and visible to the observer
� Optional – Red Cardigan sweater
� Optional – Only plain white short
sleeve t-shirt under the oxford shirt
� Red or white short-sleeve polo with school emblem embroidered on left front
� Khaki pleated short/long pants
� Brown or black belt
� All white VELCRO leather tennis shoes (no lights, color trim or contrast soles)
� White socks -no logo or writing, over the ankle, and visible to the observer
� Optional – Red Cardigan sweater
� Optional – Red sweatshirt and/or sweatpants
� Optional – Only plain white short sleeve t-shirt under the oxford shirt
BOYS Kinder – 3rd Grade: Dress Uniform
Kinder-3rd Grade: Daily Uniform
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Boys and Girls
Pre-Kinder Mass & Daily Uniform
� Red or white short-sleeve polo
with school emblem embroidered
on left front
� Elastic khaki pleated short/long
pants for boys
� Red plaid shorts/pants for the
girls
� All white VELCRO leather tennis
shoes (no lights, color trim or
contrast soles)
� White socks -no logo or writing,
over the ankle, and visible to the
observer
� Optional – Red Cardigan sweater
� Optional – sweatshirt and
sweatpants – not on Mass days.
� Optional – Only plain white short
sleeve t-shirt under the oxford
shirt
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PE Uniform
All PE Uniforms must be purchased through the PE department for grades 6th - 8th. The approved PE Uniform includes:
� St. Matthew PE t-shirt � Red shorts � White socks (girls may wear socks or tights) – plain, no logos or accents (all socks
or tights must be worn above the ankle, and visible to the observer) � All-white leather tennis shoes (no lights, color trim or contrast soles)
Grooming
MAKEUP: No facial make-up including lip color or nail polish (no artificial nails or French tips) HAIR: No hair color treatments of any kind for boys and girls. Hair color must be natural color with no frosting, tipping or highlighting. The administration reserves the right to assess aviolation to any student with an extreme or faddish hair style.
Boys: Above the eyebrows at least one-half inch (1/2”), tapered above and around the ears and must be at least 1 inch above the collar. The sides and top should be no shorter than a #2 razor guard. No inappropriate hairstyles or facial hair including sideburns extending below the middle of the ear. Hair height will be at the discretion of the administrator.
Middle School boys need to be clean-shaven. Girls: Above the eyebrows, away from the face. Moderate length encouraged.
Hair accessories including barrettes, ribbons, hair bands (no wider than 1 inch) and ponytail holders for girls must be a single color of black, white, red, navy blue, dark green or gold. Jeweled hairbands are not uniform. These items may also be made from the St. Matthew uniform plaid. Hair bows should be no larger than 2 inches in height and conform to the colors listed. Cheerleader hair ribbons are not part of the school uniform. Tattoos: (permanent and/or temporary) are not permitted at St. Matthew School.
Only St. Matthew Uniform items purchased through School Yard or Parker
Uniform Company are the Official uniform. Uniforms sold at the PTC sponsored Uniform Resale should comply with the official uniform.
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Items sold through other organizations (PTC – spirit items, BOOSTER CLUB,
CYO, etc.) are not permitted in the classroom
Jewelry
As a rule, valuables should not be worn at school. Rings, bracelets and ankle bracelets
are not permitted. The following are permitted:
� Wrists – one (1) wrist watch – SMART WATCHES or similar devices are NOT
permitted at school.
� Neck - one (1) simple necklace chain or thin leather cord (4 mm) with a Christian
religious symbol or medal.
� Ears – Simple stud earrings or 1/2 inch loops for girls. Only one earring per ear
lobe. No earrings for boys.
� Ties – Students may wear one religious symbol, NJHS pin, Student Council pin.
Medical identification items may be worn and must be approved by the
school nurse and/or administration.
Non-Uniform Days
Occasionally (at the discretion of the administration), students are granted a non-uniform
dress day. On non-uniform days students may come to school wearing clothing that
upholds the dignity of our Catholic School environment. All non-uniform attire must be
clean, neat, safe and modest. Non-uniform items cannot be worn in the church. Keep
in mind that physical education classes meet on non-uniform days and dress is not an
excuse for non-participation. Students may be asked to change if their clothing is deemed
inappropriate by the administration. The approved non-uniform attire is defined as:
� Blue or black jeans (no holes or faux holes) or uniform shorts; and
� St. Matthew logo shirt.
� Socks/hose (must be above the ankle as described above)
� Athletic shoes, closed shoes, boots
The official scout uniform may be worn on scout meeting days at the discretion of the
principal but is not permitted on Mass days.
All grooming and jewelry policies remain in effect on non-uniform days. Students may
not wear open-toed shoes, sandals or flip flops.
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Non-Uniform Picture Days
All non-uniform attire must be clean, neat, safe and modest reflecting our Catholic
values. Low cut, sleeveless, spaghetti strap/strapless tops and shirts with brand
lettering are not acceptable. Skirt length must follow the uniform guidelines.
Uniform Violations
Parents or caregivers are primarily responsible for students wearing the proper uniform.
At the administration’s discretion, a student may be sent home for a uniform violation.
All uniforms must be clean and neat in appearance (shirts tucked in, shoes tied, etc.)
for the duration of the school day.
Students are required to be in proper uniform every day. Beginning in 4th grade
students will receive demerits when they are not in uniform compliance.
These are examples of what could earn 1 uniform demerit:
• No belt
• No tie
• Short skirt
• Wrong socks
• Long hair (boys) , wide hair bands (girls)
• Un-tucked shirt
• Jewelry
• Make-up, nail-polish
Students will receive a demerit for each uniform infraction every day they are out of
compliance. Demerits will accumulate throughout the year.
4th - 8th grades : First 5 demerits = 1 DN
For every 5 demerits after the first 5, the student will receive an after school detention.
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HealthHealthHealthHealth and Wellnessand Wellnessand Wellnessand Wellness St. Matthew Catholic School adheres to and implements The Wellness Policy for Catholic
Schools of the Archdiocese of San Antonio. The Catholic Schools are “committed to
providing school environments that promote the development of lifelong wellness
practices.” The schools of the Archdiocese of San Antonio” strive to comply with the
Texas Public School Nutrition Policy and/or the USDA dietary guidelines for Americans
for all foods and beverages sold or served at school.”
St. Matthew Catholic School has established a wellness committee to evaluate
compliance with the Archdiocesan wellness policy and to create guidelines for our
school community.
For specifics regarding foods and beverages allowed to be brought into the lunchroom
and sharing of food, please see these sections in this handbook for specific guidelines
regarding Cafeteria, Prohibited Items at School, Field Trips and Sports Related Travel,
and for requirements for Classroom parties and celebrations.
Comprehensive Guidance Program at
St. Matthew Catholic School
Overview
The Counseling Program at St. Matthew Catholic School follows the Archdiocesan
Curriculum for Guidance. This includes the Child Lures School Program from which we
get the Student Code of Conduct. St. Matthew Catholic School also implements the
Comprehensive Guidance Program for Texas Public Schools. This is made up of four
components: Guidance Curriculum, Responsive Services, Individual Planning, and
System Support.
The Guidance Curriculum provides guidance content in a systematic way to all students.
The purpose is to instill an awareness, skill development, and application of skills
needed in everyday life. Specific areas addressed include self – esteem development,
motivation to achieve, decision – making, goal setting, planning and problem – solving
skills, cross – cultural effectiveness, and responsible behavior.
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Individual planning assists students in planning and managing their own development.
The purpose is to lead the student to setting goals and planning. Specific goals
addressed include educational, career, personal and social. Other areas include self –
knowledge and information relative to educational opportunities.
Responsive services address the problems and concerns of students. The purpose is to
prevent, intervene or provide referrals as appropriate and where possible. Areas
addressed include academic success, career exploration, cross – cultural effectiveness,
school attendance, educational choices, family, loss, relationships with adults and peers,
responsible behavior, self- esteem, stress, substance abuse and suicide.
System support includes program management activities and other indirect services.
The purpose is to provide for guidance program delivery and school support. Specific
areas addressed include guidance program development, counselor’s professional
development, parent education, teacher/administrator consultation and school
improvement planning. Programs supported include regular education, entrance testing,
school wide standardized testing, AR, SuccessMaker and Peer-Tutoring.
The Guidance Program is in addition to the Religion, Family Life and Health classes.
School Nurse
The nurse is responsible for insuring that the required health screenings are performed,
followed-up and documented according to state regulations by certified screeners.
Additionally, the nurse may monitor immunizations, maintain health records, complete
state and Archdiocesan statistical reports and perform other health service related duties
as designated. The school nurse may perform nursing functions only under the
supervision and standing orders of a licensed physician and only with a current Texas
license. The nurse will maintain a daily log of health related incidents, illnesses or
complaints, as well as a daily medication log.
The School Nurse or her assistant will attend all field trips.
Health Screenings: Screenings are performed annually on Pre-K thru 1st, 3rd, 5th, and
7th grades to examine their height, weight, vision and hearing. Students in 6th grade
will be screened for scoliosis. Referrals are sent to the parent/guardian whose
child(ren) exhibit a potential problem in any of the screenings. It is the responsibility of
the parent/guardian to decide whether to follow-up on the referral with their physician.
The parent/guardian should notify the school of the action taken. Records are kept of
all screenings on the student health cards and reports are made to the Texas
Department of Health. Students in grades 1st, 3rd, 5th and 7th are screened for
Acanthosis Nigricans, a skin condition that signals high insulin levels in the body.
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Medical Accommodations
Students needing accommodations for medical issues including, but not limited to
chronic conditions like diabetes, use of the school elevator, special diet requests,
allergies, etc. will be required to have a Doctor’s note on file with the school. These
requests can only be honored once the doctor’s note is on file with the school. A
new/updated doctor’s note must be presented each school year.
Medication Policy
In accordance with the Archdiocesan policy, the medication policy at St. Matthew is as
follows:
Only medication prescribed by a physician or dentist, dispensed by a registered
pharmacist, and accompanied by the Medication Permission Form signed by the
parent/guardian will be given during school hours. Medication is to be brought to the
office by the parent (responsible party). If the medication is liquid, it must be
accompanied with a calibrated medication dispenser with legible numbers. In the event
the school nurse is not available, the principal will designate an alternate to dispense
medication. Medications containing narcotics/sedation for pain relief will not be
administered at school. Students should remain at home until they no longer require
these medications.
“Over-the-counter” medication (including but not limited to acetaminophen, ointments,
cold tablets and cough drops) will only be given during school hours if accompanied by a
signed permission form of the parent (responsible party) and a specific prescription from
a physician indicating the medical reason for use.
Each student’s medication must be in its original container, clearly labeled with the
following information:
1. Student name
2. Physician/Dentist name
3. Date
4. Name of medication
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5. Dosage
6. Directions for administration
7. Duration of administration
Expired medication will not be administered. All medication will be returned to the
parent/guardian and never to the student.
By physician direction a middle school student may be allowed to carry and self-
administer inhaler medication. It is advisable to leave an extra inhaler with the school
nurse.
Students are not permitted to carry any medication. Parents must bring in any
medication to the nurse’s office.
First Aid
The school is only responsible for immediate first aid. In the case of a severe accident
or acute illness, first aid will be administered, EMS will be called and the
parent/guardian will be notified promptly.
Illness
If a student becomes ill during the school day, he/she must obtain a teacher referral
slip and report to the nurse’s office. The nurse determines if the student should return
to class or be sent home. If the student cannot return to class, the contact information
on the blue card will be used to call the parent/guardian or other authorized person/s
listed. Due to limited space in the clinic, we ask that students be picked up within 30
minutes. The student will remain in the clinic until the parent/guardian arrives. Despite
the cause, St. Matthew guidelines dictate that a student with a temperature of 100.4
degrees or higher must be kept home for 24 hours after the fever subsides. For
example, a diagnosis of strep throat or scarlet fever requires that a child be kept home
for 24 hours after antibiotic therapy has begun and fever subsides. If your child
experiences vomiting or diarrhea, he/she must stay home for 24 hours after the
symptoms subside.
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Communicable Disease/Conditions
For the benefit of the entire student body, a parent/guardian should contact the school
nurse if a student contracts a serious communicable disease. Parents shall be notified if
there is a likelihood of a threat of the transmission of a communicable disease.
Pediculosis (Head lice): St. Matthew will not allow a student to return to school after
being diagnosed with Pediculosis until all nits are gone.
HIV
Based on the current opinion of the scientific and medical community, AIDS is caused by
a virus known as HIV that attacks and cripples the body’s immune system, thereby leaving
the body vulnerable to opportunistic infections. A person afflicted with AIDS suffers a
variety of virus and/or fungus-caused illnesses that debilitate the body resulting in a
substantially high mortality rate within three years of diagnosis. The spread of the virus
occurs through the exchange of body fluids (blood, blood by-products or semen) between
individuals. No evidence exists to indicate the spread of the virus through casual contact.
Recognition of a student with AIDS/HIV is not reason alone for exclusion from St. Matthew
School. Each person will be evaluated as an individual case and exclusion from the school
environment will be based upon the person’s physical limitations, psychosocial activity
patterns and the opinion of a panel of responsible persons designated by the school
administration. This
panel may include, but is not limited to, a student’s parent/guardian and physician, the
school nurse, the principal and the Pastor.
If a student has been diagnosed as having AIDS or is HIV positive and has any of the
following conditions or behaviors he/she shall be removed from St. Mathew Catholic
School.
� Vomiting
� Lack of toilet training
� Tendency to bite
� Open sores
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� Other medical conditions conducive to spreading the virus
Bloodborne Pathogens
All schools follow the Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan approved by the
Superintendents of the Texas Catholic Conference Education Department in 1993, with
the following modifications:
All schools are to have a designated waste receptacle in the area of the health
coordinator. The receptacle should be lined at all times with a plastic bag. Whenever
handling waste material, the staff person should always wear latex gloves or something
comparable in the case of latex allergies.
Schools are not viewed by the Texas Department of Health or the Texas Natural Resource
Conservation Commission as generators of “regulated medical waste” and are therefore
not required to use red bags or bio-hazard labels for trash disposal. The school nurse or
health coordinator may dispose of waste in the regular dumpster.
If red sharps containers are used, the TNRCC does not recommend dumpster disposal.
Options for disposal include; working with the current waste service provider,
partnering with a local health department clinic, hospital, physician’s office or other
health care provider or utilizing an approved medical waste transport service.
Health Records
Emergency Cards
A blue emergency contact card is kept on file for each student to provide information in
assisting in locating parent/guardian or an authorized contact person. It is essential for
parents to keep the information current. Contact the school office immediately with any
changes. This emergency card is completed at the time of registration.
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Allergies
If your child has a medication or food allergy, please indicate on the blue emergency
card and inform the school nurse and cafeteria director. A note from the doctor stating
the allergy must be on file.
Certificate of Immunization
A certificate from a duly qualified physician stating that the child has met state required
immunizations for polio, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella and
Hepatitis A and B must be presented at the time of registration. Immunization records
must be reported to the school, so that the student’s permanent health record can be
maintained properly. The school reserves the right to remove a student from school until
proof of the necessary immunization is provided.
Archdiocesan policy number 4801B: Medical Exemption from Immunization 92008-2009)
An exclusion for medical reasons will be considered if a parent/guardian presents a
written request to the school principal with the appropriate documentation. The principal,
in consultation with the local school administration, will make the final decision.
In accordance with state law, the parent/guardian must present a statement signed by
the child’s physician (M.D. or D.O.), duly registered and licensed to practice medicine in
the United States who has examined the child, in which it is stated that, in the
physician’s opinion, the vaccine required is medically contraindicated or poses a
significant risk to the health and well-being of the child or any member of the child’s
household. Unless it is written in the statement that a lifelong condition exists, the
exemption statement is valid for only one year from the date signed by the physician.
If not a lifelong condition, it is expected that the child will be vaccinated as soon as the
medical condition improves and the child’s physician judges that it is safe to do so.
Emergency Information Card for Students
Schools must keep an emergency information card for each student enrolled in the
school. These cards contain pertinent information in case of accident or illness. It is
the parent/guardian responsibility to update information as needed.
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Insurance
St. Matthew Catholic School carries the required Archdiocesan accident insurance for
every student enrolled. This student accident insurance provides basic coverage and
payment and is part of the regular fees charged each school year. Student accident
insurance is secondary insurance and covers students at all school related activities and
for travel to and from school-related activities. Parents/guardians are given the
opportunity to purchase supplementary insurance at higher levels in addition to the
required basic insurance coverage.
Tobacco
ALL tobacco products and e-cigarette tobacco substitutes are prohibited on the school
premises. St. Matthew Catholic School is a smoke-free environment.
Narcotics, Drugs and Alcohol
No student may possess, use, distribute or be under the influence, of any of the following substances, on school premises during any school term or off school premises at a school-related activity, function or event: 1. Any controlled substance or dangerous drug, as defined by law, including but not
limited to marijuana, any narcotic drug, hallucinogen, stimulant, depressant, amphetamine or barbiturate.
2. Alcohol or any alcoholic beverage. 3. Any abusable glue, aerosol paint or other volatile chemical substance for inhalation. 4. Any other intoxicant, mood changing or mind-altering substance. The transmittal, sale or attempted sale of what is represented to any of the above listed substances is also prohibited under this policy. Students involved in such actions shall be expelled from school.
Definitions
“Use” means a student has smoked, ingested, injected, inhaled, drunk or otherwise taken
internally a prohibited substance recently enough that it is detectable by the student’s
physical appearance, action, breath or speech.
“Under the influence” means a student’s faculties are noticeably impaired, but the
student need not be legally intoxicated. Violation of the policies will warrant automatic
expulsion from St. Matthew Catholic School. St. Matthew has the obligation to report
unlawful violations to the local police department for investigation. The administration
reserves the right to search lockers and personal property for all of the items listed
above in the Narcotics, Drugs and Alcohol Policies, including the use of K-9 Narcotic
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Police Unit searches of the building and campus. A student who used, in the manner
prescribed, a drug authorized by a licensed physician through a prescription specifically
for the student’s use shall not be considered to have violated this policy. Authorized
personnel may administer prescribed medication.
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Endowment FundEndowment FundEndowment FundEndowment Fund St. Matthew Catholic School has established and maintains an Endowment Fund. The
purpose of the Endowment Fund is to receive and administer contributions, gifts and
grants for the benefit of St. Matthew School and have funds available in the event of an
emergency or unplanned large expenditure that cannot be funded through other
means. An Endowment Charter has been established to limit the use and preserve the
fund. A copy of the Charter may be made available upon request. Our goal is to
increase the Endowment Fund to an amount that will allow us to minimize future tuition
increases by using investment earnings from the Fund to pay for regular operating
expenses. The best way to accomplish this objective is to generate funds for the
Endowment Fund to a level that the income from the Fund can be used to help keep
our tuition at a competitive level without sacrificing the quality of our students'
education. Thus, as a goal toward financial stability, disbursements from the
Endowment Fund should be used sparingly, otherwise our ability to grow the Fund to
maximize the long term benefits for the Parish and School will be limited. Accordingly,
we require all School related fundraisers deposit a minimum of ten percent (10%) of
their net results in the Endowment Fund. For more information on the Endowment
Fund please refer to the St. Matthew School Strategic Plan.
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Athletics…Athletics…Athletics…Athletics… School Sports Philosophy
The middle school sports program is provided to help foster spiritual, moral,
intellectual, social and physical development in our students by offering a
competitive team sports environment. Our sports policy strives to balance the
drive to win and succeed in athletic competition with the Christian principles
that are the foundation of our educational program.
FOR A COMPLETE DISCRIPTION OF OUR ATHLETIC POLICIES SEE THE
APPENDIX: ATHLETIC HANDBOOK.
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Policies and Regulations…Policies and Regulations…Policies and Regulations…Policies and Regulations… Visitors
St. Matthew is your school. Visitors are always welcome. Parents are invited to have
lunch with their child(ren) on campus. Open House and Catholic Schools Week give
visitors and parents an opportunity to visit the classroom. Parents are welcome to
schedule a classroom visit at any time during the school year. St. Matthew does not
permit non-enrolled children to visit or accompany a St. Matthew student during the
school day.
To ensure the safety of children on campus, please take note of the following:
ALL PERSONS COMING INTO THE SCHOOL BUILDING MUST CHECK IN AT THE SCHOOL
OFFICE AND SIGN THE REGISTER. A VISITOR’S BADGE SHOULD BE WORN AT ALL
TIMES AND SAID VISITOR MUST SIGN OUT WHEN LEAVING.
NO ONE IS ALLOWED ADMITTANCE INTO ANY OF THE SCHOOL BUILDINGS WITHOUT
A VISITOR’S PASS.
Use of School Property
Grounds
Contact the St. Matthew Catholic School and Church Facilities Manager for use of
any/all facilities and grounds of the parish or school. Any scheduling is also done
through the Facilities Manager. He can be reached at the Parish Administration office at
478-5001.
Office Machines
Students are not allowed to use the office machines located in the School office or
library.
Athletic and Building Facilities
Permission to use all the athletic facilities or building facilities must be cleared through
the Facilities Manager at the Parish Administration Building.
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Communications
The school, PTC and St. Matthew Church organizations will send home communication
materials periodically. School notices, such as academic, disciplinary papers and
statements from the business office, will be sent as needed. The school utilizes an on-
line resource called RenWeb available via the world-wide web to communicate
information to students and parents. If you have any questions regarding the use of
RenWeb, please contact the school office.
School Publications
School publications serve not only to foster the creative talents of students but also to assist
and support the school in its public relations. Such publications shall be available to students,
parents, pastors and the parish community at large. Articles of Archdiocesan interest shall be
sent to the editor of the Archdiocesan newspaper for publication. All publications must be
approved and reviewed by the school administration.
Arrival and Dismissal
The Traffic Circulation Plan found on the inside back cover of this handbook must be
followed at all times for arrival and dismissal.
Car Line Rules (Drop Off/Pick Up)
� Parents must remain in their vehicle at all times. � At no time should any vehicle be left unattended. � Vehicles must be shifted into “park” when not in motion. � Parking in the faculty parking area is prohibited. � Admittance into the building prior to dismissal is prohibited. � The maximum speed in the parking lot is 10 mph. � Using cell phones while in car line is prohibited. � Parking in front of the portable buildings during school hours is prohibited (this is
a fire safety hazard). � Parking or student drop-off/pick-up in the parish administration building parking
lot is prohibited. � Parking or student drop-off/pick-up in between the school portables is prohibited.
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Before/After School Procedures
� Entrances to the building will be locked until 7:45 AM. � Students are to report to the cafeteria prior to 7:45 AM. � Students PK-3rd must be dropped off at their designated drop-off area. � Students 4th-8th must be dropped off at their designated drop-off area. � Our school day begins promptly at 8:00 a.m. with prayers and announcements.
At this time, all visitors must leave the school building. � Students in grades Pre-K – 3rd must be picked up by 3:25 p.m. � Students in grades 4th-8th must be picked in their designated drop-off zone by
3:40 p.m. � After school care will begin for Pre-K – 3rd grade students who have not been
picked up at 3:25 p.m. and for students in grades 4-8 who have not been picked up by 3:40 p.m.
� No student is permitted to wait in front of the church, administration building, gym, portables, etc.
� If a student is discovered waiting on the school or church grounds, they will be escorted to the After School Care Program.
� A similar schedule will be followed on early dismissal days.
Early Dismissal Days
St. Matthew School will have early dismissal throughout the year. Pre-K-3rd will dismiss
at 12:00 p.m. and 4th -8th at 12:05 p.m. for the purpose of faculty meetings, parent
conferences and early holiday dismissals. Please refer to the school calendar for these
early dismissal dates and make arrangements to pick up your child(ren) at that time. At
12:30 p.m., on early dismissal days, all unsupervised children will be taken to the After
School Care Program. All students who are sent to After School Care must pay for their
care during their time in the After School Care Program. Fees will be added to the next
tuition invoice. There will be early dismissal days with no extended care provided as
noted on the school calendar and RenWeb.
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School Closure for Inclement Weather
Winter in south Texas can bring rapid changes in weather, for this reason schools must
at times close due to hazardous driving conditions. St. Matthew Catholic School will use
the following method to notify the community of school closures:
• St. Matthew Catholic School will send A TEXT MESSAGE ALERT to all
parents/guardians indicating that school will be closed; an email or text message
may follow to announce when school will re-open.
• Parents should watch for closings of the public school district in which the school
is located (Northside Independent School District). If the public schools close, St.
Matthew would close. If this happens, the announcement will be made on WOAI-
TV, WOAI.com, WOAI-AM 1200, and several other TV and AM and FM radio
stations.
• Public schools sometimes announce late starts for their schools. The Archdiocese
and St. Matthew Catholic School do not recognize late starts. If Northside
announces a late start, we will have school at the regularly scheduled time and
ask parents to use discretion and arrive as soon as they can do so safely.
• Should it become necessary to use a day to make up for inclement weather, the
make-up day for St. Matthew School is Easter Monday.
Fire, Disaster and Lockdown Drills
Fire drills will be conducted on a monthly basis. Disaster drills will be routinely conducted.
The fire alarm will signal the start of the drill. Fire drills, disaster procedures and
evacuation plans will be posted in every room of the school.
During a lockdown, students will not be released. St. Matthew Catholic School
will send A TEXT MESSAGE ALERT to all parents/guardians indicating that the school is
in lockdown. School lockdown procedures will be followed as necessary.
Maintaining accurate and up-to-date contact information is of the utmost importance.
The school will send out A TEXT MESSAGE ALERT to notify parents of emergency
events, changes in schedule or any news information that must be transmitted with
immediacy. Email follow-ups will also be sent. Change of Address/Phone/E-
mail/Emergency Contact Forms can be found on RenWeb to update this information.
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After School Care and Early Morning Program Policies and Procedures
After School Care Program is a service for the families of St. Matthew. The goal of this
program is to provide a safe, Christian environment for the students. This program
exists for the protection of the students and the school and for parental convenience.
Students will be allowed time to work on homework and have supervised recreation.
The program will close promptly at 6:00 p.m. After School Care is closed on all school
holidays and certain early release days. Consult the school calendar for a list of those
days. The program is open on faculty meeting days. Everyone must be registered in
the program. After School Care Program should not be considered as a day care. Once
a student has departed the school campus, they are not allowed to return with the
exception of school related activities.
Application and Contract
Along with an application for the program, the parent and student will be required to sign
and date a contract. This contract states that the parent and child will abide by all the
rules and regulations in place in the After School Care Program. This contract will be
kept on file to be used in case disciplinary action is warranted.
To contact the After School Care Director, you may call 478-5053; or the Assistant
Director, 478-5039. Your call will be returned as soon as possible.
Parents who do not wish to participate in this program need to pick up their child(ren)
promptly at dismissal.
Hours of Operation
The school is open daily from 6:45 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Early Morning Care is provided,
free of charge, for all children arriving from 6:45-7:45 a.m. These children report directly
to the St. Matthew School cafeteria. The After School Care Program operates from
dismissal until 6:00 p.m.
Summer Office Hours are from 9:00 A.M. until 1:00 P.M. from Monday through
Thursday.
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Billing/Fees
The Assistant Director handles all billing for the After School Care Program. Bills will be
sent with the tuition statements. Payments should be made no later than the tenth of
the month in which the bill is sent. If the bill is not kept current, the parent/guardian will
be asked to make other arrangements for their child(ren) outside of the St. Matthew
Program. All checks should be made payable to St. Matthew School. Fees for After
School Care are announced prior to the start of the school year.
There is a minimum charge of one hour for any use of this program from dismissal to
4:00 p.m. Therefore, parents who do not wish to participate in After School Care should
pick up their child(ren) before 3:25 (Pre-K – 3rd) and/ or 3:40 p.m. (Grades 4-8), or 12:30
(early release days), in order to avoid this minimum one hour charge.
The remaining hours (4:15 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.) will be based on a half-hour at ½ of the
hourly rate.
There is a fee assessed for students who remain in the program after the closing time
of 6:00 p.m. Parents will be required to pay $5.00/minute for any time used after 6
p.m. This fee ($5.00/minute) is calculated with reference to the After School Care clock.
No grace period is allowed for charges after 6 p.m.
Report/Sign-In
Students may be picked up in their assigned classroom until 5 p.m., at which time those
children remaining will be taken to the cafeteria.
Extra Curricular Activities
Depending on the activity students are to wait in the After School Care Program until
their activity begins. Students are not allowed to wait outside without adult
supervision. If a student is not picked up immediately after the activity ends, he/she
will be signed in to the program and fees will be charged.
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Grouping of Students
Students will be grouped according to grade level (except for 7th and 8th graders). Each
staff member is responsible for approximately 25 students or a fraction thereof in the
following groupings:
Pre-K 2nd 5th
Kindergarten 3rd 6th
1st 4th 7-8TH
After School Care Schedule of Activities
After a snack of approximately 10-15 minutes, the students are allowed outside
activity/play time, weather permitting, for approx. 20 minutes. This time may be longer
for Pre-K and Kinder.
Ample time is allowed for homework/study/review.
Emergency Numbers/Authorized Pick-up
A list of all persons authorized to pick up your child(ren) is required; these are kept in
the After School Care closet. The Director and Assistant Director also have access to
the school Nurse’s office where all the Health/Emergency Cards are kept. It is
extremely important that all emergency numbers remain current.
Discipline
The After School Care program is an extension of the regular school day. Therefore, all
of the school’s policies are in effect. Any infraction during this time is subject to the St.
Matthew Discipline Policy. If there is a need for a Disciplinary Notice or Detention to be
issued to a student for an infraction to the policy, these will be given as listed in the
discipline section of this handbook.
Students will be made aware of authorized and unauthorized areas during After School
Care. Any student in an unauthorized area (unless in the company of their After School
Care group or with written permission) will be subject to the Discipline Policy. These
areas are set for the protection of the student as well as the teacher.
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Authorized/Unauthorized Areas
For the protection of all concerned, the student and the parent/guardian must understand
that they have an obligation to the school and to the adult supervisors to be in the
authorized areas only. The student is required to sign in with their After School Care
supervisor, daily, upon the start of After School Care. Authorized areas can also be
unauthorized if the student does not have permission or is not scheduled to be there at
that time. If a student is involved in extracurricular activities (i.e. sports, dance, band,
etc.), the supervisor must be notified as to which activity they are involved to assure
proper documentation in case of an emergency. Upon returning from the activity, it is
imperative that the student signs back in with their After School Care supervisor.
Authorized Areas Unauthorized Areas
Assigned classrooms, cafeteria,
designated play areas.
Halls, restrooms, gym, baseball field or
surrounding area, parking lot, Holden’s
Grove or the church buildings.
Library
The library serves the students, faculty and staff of St. Matthew Catholic School. It provides
educational reading and research materials, as well as, materials for recreational reading. The library
is to be used for checking out books, reading and doing research. Reference books are to be used
in the library and may not be checked out. All students will have a weekly library
period. Students are expected to adhere to the Cardinal Rules and all library rules, including
maintaining a quiet atmosphere. The overdue policy is as follows: one (1) can of food or other
non-perishable food item for each book overdue 1 to 7 days. For each additional seven-day
period, an additional can of food or other non-perishable food item will be required. (Therefore,
two (2) food items will be due per book if the book is 8 to 14 days overdue.) Food items will be
given to our parish St. Vincent de Paul. A damage charge will be assessed on any library book
returned in a damaged condition, excluding normal wear-and-tear. If a book is returned with
irreparable damage, the student will be required to pay the full cost for replacement of the
book. Restitution for lost books is the full value of the lost book. Students with an outstanding
item on their library account (overdue books and/or fees for damage or lost items) will be unable
to check out library books until the account is cleared. The library will be open to students from
7:45 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Students doing research may use the library until 3:30 p.m. with a written
note from parent/guardian.
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Cafeteria
Breakfast and lunch are offered in our school cafeteria. Students may bring their lunch
from home or purchase a lunch at school. All students are expected to eat lunch. The
cafeteria participates in the National School Lunch Program and is required to meet the
federal regulations and standards established for this program. Applications are available
for free or reduced price meals from the school office or from the Food Service Director.
The information provided on the application will be used to determine eligibility for this
program. The cafeteria manager may verify this information any time during the school
year.
Each student has a unique health and allergy history. For the safety of each child,
students are not permitted to bring lunch for other students, nor are they permitted to
share lunch or snack with other students.
In the interest of the student’s well-being, parents are requested to refrain from bringing
fast food lunches to their children. Highly caffeinated energy drinks are not permitted in
the St. Matthew School cafeteria. Parents can only bring food for their own
children. Students may not share food with each other in the cafeteria nor in the
classroom during snack time
St. Matthew School does not allow a parent to sign out a student for off campus lunch.
Parents are invited to have lunch with their children in the cafeteria. All parents must
sign in through the office and obtain and wear a visitor’s badge prior to entering the
cafeteria.
The St. Matthew Cafeteria menus and individual student balances can be found on Ren
Web. Students are encouraged to purchase a meal ticket to “speed-up” service and
eliminate problems with lost or forgotten money. St. Matthew’s charge policy is that no
account may exceed $10.00 at any time. Please check your child’s balance to insure
there are adequate funds in your child’s account. If an account reaches $10.00, a
sandwich will be served to the child. Seconds are not served to anyone who has a
negative balance. Accounts can be paid in advance. Parents are encouraged to call
with inquires relating to the balance on an account. It is suggested that parents
consider applying for free or reduced lunches if cafeteria costs become a budget
problem.
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Classroom Parties
Classroom parties are limited because St. Matthew Catholic School participates in the
National School Lunch Program. All classroom parties including birthday parties are under
the direct supervision and discretion of the teacher and may not begin until after 1:00
PM on regular school days. Teachers will coordinate parties and other activities with the
assistance of the room parents. Three classroom parties are allowed per year: Advent,
Valentine’s Day and the End of Year party. The individual grade level teachers will
coordinate Lenten/Easter observances. At the teacher’s discretion, Pre-K and
Kindergarten are allowed a Halloween party. Any other special activities must be cleared
through the office via the teacher.
Birthday parties are celebrated once a month. The teacher will notify the Head Room
Parent of the designated dates for celebrations. Middle School birthday celebrations will
take place in the student’s home room; students may bring celebration items with them
in the morning or parents may drop them off in the office.
Room parents will coordinate the items brought into the classroom for parties. Room
parents are directed to remind parents that all parties must include a healthy snack
option – cut up fruit and vegetables, cheese, yogurt and water, as examples, and may
include one treat. After consultation with the teacher, parents may bring refreshments
for their child’s birthday.
Deliveries for Students
To avoid classroom disruptions, messages to students will be delivered at an appropriate
time. However there are no guarantees that this will always be possible. There will be
NO delivery of packages, homework, birthday presents, field trip money, instruments,
P.E. or sports uniforms and other miscellaneous items to a student during class time.
NO DELIVERIES ARE TO BE TAKEN TO THE CLASSROOM.
Parents are always invited to have lunch with their children after checking in with the
front office to obtain a visitor pass, however no unpaid deliveries to the office are
allowed.
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Lost and Found Articles
Any articles found will be taken to the Lost and Found box in the Cafeteria. Please
mark your child’s belongings with his/her full name. Items that are not claimed are
either sold at the PTC uniform sale or donated to the St. Vincent de Paul Society.
These items are donated twice a year: Christmas and at the end of the school year.
Fundraising
St. Matthew Catholic School is a non-profit organization, fully funded by student tuition
and the school community. As a result, school funding must be augmented by fundraising
activities, both to support and continue to expand and upgrade the school facilities and
equipment and to establish and fund extracurricular activities such as athletics, the arts,
including band and other activities which enrich the learning environment and school
spirit at St. Matthew Catholic School.
The purpose of this section is to clarify the School’s policies with regard to all fundraising
activities, which are undertaken in the name of St. Matthew Catholic School or any
organization affiliated with the school.
The sponsors fundraising authorization packet, available from the bookkeeper, must be
completed prior to any fundraising activities.
Fundraising requests for specific health/medical events/organizations will be considered
only if that event/organization is affiliated with our Catholic Faith. Examples: St. PJs
Children’s Home, Seton Home, Santa Rosa Children’s cancer unit, etc.
Solicitation through flyers, mailers, etc., will not be allowed in the school or
directly to students if the fundraiser is not directly affiliated with St. Matthew
Catholic School.
Authority
The principal has the authority over all fundraising activities. The principal may, however,
seek the input of the School Council in evaluating such proposals.
All funds that are raised on behalf of or in the name of St. Matthew Catholic School
whether by the school directly or any affiliated organization are property of St. Matthew
Catholic School and must be accounted for accordingly. Use of the St. Matthew Catholic
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School name in fundraising activities is expressly prohibited unless prior approval for such
activities is received in writing from the Principal.
The St. Matthew Catholic School PTC is the primary fundraising organization. Other
organizations seeking funding for small expenditures may wish to consult with the PTC
for assistance with funding.
Fundraising Criteria
The principal in evaluating and approving fundraising proposals will consider the following
criteria:
1. The purpose of the proposed fundraising activities and the use of proceeds must
be clearly stated and consistent with the mission, goals and objectives of the
school.
2. Any school organization, which wishes to engage in fundraising activities, must
prepare and present a budget, showing sources and uses of all funds. Such budget
should not reflect a deficit of expenditures over funds raised and any budgeted
surplus will become available for the general obligations of the school. However,
excess funds may be redirected to the organization in the event there are
additional properly justified expenditures.
3. If tangible items are to be sold or distributed, such items must be appropriate for
sale or distribution in a Catholic school community.
4. If fundraising activities are to be undertaken in conjunction with any third party,
the third party must possess an impeccable reputation and must conduct itself in
a manner consistent with the mission, goals, objectives and values of the school.
The nature and terms of the relationship with the third party must be fully
documented (contracted services form completed).
5. All contracts or agreements with third parties must be submitted with the
fundraising application for approval by and signature of the principal.
6. The organization must present a clear plan and procedure regarding record
keeping and other fiduciary matters. Such matters must be coordinated with the
principal and financial officer of the school or finance committee of the school
board if applicable. To ensure proper accounting for fundraising activities, all
collected funds must be deposited on a weekly basis into the school’s bank
accounts and any disbursements must be made through the school bookkeeper.
Requests for disbursement must be made at least three business days prior to the
date the check is required.
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7. The timing of fundraising activities must be carefully considered and coordinated
with other fundraising efforts.
8. Ten percent of the net proceeds of all school related fundraisers are to be
donated to the Endowment Fund.
Field Trips and Sports-Related Travel
Classes generally take two field trips per school year. School disciplinary rules apply on
all field trips. Field trips are a privilege, not a right. Written permission from the
parent/guardian is necessary for the student to attend. Students with special medical
conditions must complete and return to the school nurse the Medical Needs Form before
they can participate in any field trip off school grounds. Oral permission is not sufficient.
Field trips will be approved according to Archdiocesan Policy #8108:
Field trips should be related to the curriculum. Such trips are permissible for all grades
when advanced planning, location and the experience insure a successful learning
opportunity. Individual teachers and/or team coaches, in consultation with the
administration, reserve the right to restrict or deny student participation on any field trip
due to, but not limited to, poor academic performance and/or poor conduct. The school
or anyone connected with the activity is not responsible if any misfortune should occur.
It is the school’s responsibility to provide adequate transportation and supervision. The
student must have a signed and dated release form from the parent/guardian for each
field trip. Any specific physical activity (e.g., rowing, climbing) that is required, must be
indicated on the permission slip.
It is the principal’s responsibility to give approval to any and all school-sponsored student
outings. Approval of such trips will be based on these considerations:
1. Relationship of the nature and purpose of the trip to the mission, philosophy and
goals of the school.
2. Appropriateness of the trip for the age and maturity level of the students.
3. Ability of the parent/guardian to pay for the trip while meeting all other school
financial obligations.
4. Ability of the school to provide adequate supervision by qualified adults.
5. Relationship of the field trip to the educational objectives and goals of the grade
level or subject.
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Unless the school specifically approves a trip, the school’s name cannot be used.
The School Nurse or her assistant will attend all field trips.
Non-school-approved trips that involve students will not be promoted or organized within
the school.
Field trips are special occasions during the school year. Assistance from parent
chaperones is needed.
Chaperones are to supervise their own child plus four or more other students in the class.
Teachers will provide all chaperones with the following:
1. A list of the students in the groups; 2. An emergency telephone number; 3. An agenda for the day; and 4. General rules or guidelines specific to the trip.
Chaperones are to keep their group with them at all times. The teacher shall remain with
the class at all times during the field trip unless an emergency arises. Bathroom breaks
are to be coordinated among the chaperones to ensure the safety of the children.
Chaperoning the children in the class is a full time job and is a vital part of keeping our
children safe when off campus; therefore, siblings may not attend field trips.
Any adult wishing to volunteer as a chaperone must have a current and valid
Archdiocesan Criminal Background check on file (renewed every 3 years) and must have
viewed the Sexual Misconduct Video. Information and forms are available in the school
office.
All field trips will use commercial bus transportation. A parent chaperone is not allowed
to transport his/her child to/from a field trip. Each student must present to his/her
teacher a permission slip signed by the student’s parent/guardian before he/she can
attend each field trip. Permission slips shall indicate whether the child has any dietary or
medical needs that may need to be addressed during the field trip. Oral permission for
a student to attend a field trip is not sufficient. The teacher has the authority to request
that a child be accompanied by his/her parent/guardian in order to attend a field trip if
the teacher feels it is in the best interest of the child. If a child is denied permission to
attend a field trip, by either the Administration or a parent, that child may remain at
school and will be proctored in another classroom.
Chaperones shall not purchase extra drink, food or gifts for students. Bringing
additional money to field trips is left to the discretion of the teacher.
Schools as Weapons Free Zones
Schools must follow the regulations as stated in Texas State law with regard to weapons.
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It is a crime for any person, student or non-student, to carry a firearm or any other
type of dangerous weapon within 1,000 feet of school property, onto a school campus
or bus or at school sponsored athletic, social or extracurricular activities. The person
who does this should be immediately reported to the police. The principal should notify
the parent/guardian of any student who is arrested for violation of this statute.
MoralityMoralityMoralityMorality St. Matthew Catholic School abides by the following policies of the Archdiocese of San
Antonio regarding morality:
Pregnancy
A primary purpose of Catholic education is to guide students’ growth in Christian values
and moral conduct. Catholic teaching stresses that the body is the temple of the Holy
Spirit and that the sanctity of family life is enhanced through the fulfillment of God’s
plan as expressed by a loving and permanent commitment. Premarital sexual activity
is contrary to these values. However, if a pregnancy occurs outside of marriage, the
total school community seeks to offer support to the pregnant student and or the
student father so that the pregnancy can be brought to term. The reality of the
situation, in all its dimensions, is to be treated in a Christian and humane manner.
In order to insure the best interests of the student(s), parents and the school
community, the following guidelines will be implemented:
1. When school personnel become aware of the pregnancy, the principal must meet
with the pregnant student and then her parent or guardian.
2. The student must receive appropriate professional counseling consistent with
Catholic teaching.
If the father-to-be is identified and if he is a student in the same Catholic school, the
following guidelines will be implemented:
1. The principal of that school must meet with him and his parent or guardian.
2. He must be involved in a counseling program similar to that provided the mother-
to-be.
The school will assist the pregnant student in completing her education either by
allowing her to continue attending classes or by referring her to an appropriate
alternative program.
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If the student is to remain in school, she will be allowed, with a doctor’s written
approval, to participate in all activities to the extent that her condition and the common
good of the school dictate.
If the student desires to return to the school after the birth of the child, the school will
facilitate her continuance only with appropriate documentation from a health care
provider.
The condition of pregnancy, itself, must not exclude the student from participating in
the public graduation activities and events. However, the principal, in consultation with
the superintendent, the parent or guardian, and in the case of parish schools, the
pastor, must determine whether unique circumstances may necessitate pursuing an
alternate action.
Abortion
Abortion, which disregards innocent human life, is incompatible with and contradictory
to the fundamental teachings of the Church, the mission of the Catholic school and the
values that ought to permeate Catholic education. Catholic teaching does not accept
that anyone may justifiably arrange for or procure an abortion for oneself or for another
person, be forced or pressured into having an abortion or influence or coerce another
person to have an abortion.
Therefore, the involvement of any student in procuring or assisting in the procurement
of an abortion is cause for such student to be dismissed from school.
If it becomes known to any member of the school community that a student is
contemplating or planning an abortion all reasonable encouragement must be given to
the student to save the life of her unborn child. In all circumstances, the mother of the
unborn child must be treated with compassion and respect.
Marriage and Co-Habitation
When the marriage of a student is recognized as a valid Catholic marriage, the school
administration will determine the status of the student within the school on an individual
basis. Such a marriage, in itself, is not cause for dismissal or sanctions against the
student.
Co-habitation and a marriage not recognized by the Catholic Church may be causes for
expulsion.
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Child Abuse/Neglect
The Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of San Antonio will pursue all reasonable
measures to assist mistreated children and their families. The Archdiocesan Catholic
Schools Office will:
1. Require that all Catholic schools comply with the requirements of Texas Statutes Family Code Chapter 261—Investigation of Report of Child Abuse or Neglect.
2. Cooperate with official child protective agencies in identification and reporting of suspected child abuse and neglect.
3. Provide child abuse awareness in-service education, including legal requirements, for school personnel.
4. Encourage inclusion of appropriate child abuse awareness education in classrooms at all grade levels.
Reporting Abuse or Neglect
A person who has cause to believe that a child’s physical or mental health or welfare has
been adversely affected by abuse or neglect by any person shall immediately make a
report as required by law. Family Code 261.101. The report must be made no later than
48 hours after the hour that the person first suspects that the child has been or may be
abused or neglected.
The report shall contain: name and address of the child, the name and address of the
person responsible for the care, custody, or welfare of the child, and any other pertinent
information concerning the alleged or suspected abuse or neglect.
Reports shall be made to any local or state law enforcement agency, and in addition shall
be made to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) at the San
Antonio phone number 53-ABUSE or by their toll-free number 1-800-252-5400. More
information on reporting can be found on the DFPS website:
http://www.tdprs.state.tx.us
If the allegation of abuse is being made against a school employee, the Superintendent
of Schools must also be notified immediately.
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Parent InvolvementParent InvolvementParent InvolvementParent Involvement Parents and grandparents are always welcome to participate in activities held at St. Matthew
Catholic School. By working together, we can enrich the educational experience of our children.
The following procedure for volunteering should be followed:
1. Contact the classroom teacher or other appropriate personnel. 2. Stop by the school office to sign in and receive a Visitor’s tag. 3. Wear the Visitor’s tag at all times while on campus. 4. When the volunteer activity is completed, return to the school office and sign out. 5. All volunteers who will be in direct contact with children must have a completed
background check, conducted and verified by the Archdiocese of San Antonio, on file and have viewed the Sexual Misconduct Video prior to working with or supervising children.
Applications are available in the school office.
School Council
The School Council is an advisory body comprised of ten members, elected and appointed. The
pastor has the final authority on all matters regarding the school. The principal and the president
of the PTC, Parish Council Representative and Parish/School Financial Manager are ex-officio non-
voting members of the Council. The Council recommends changes in school policy and the annual
budget and recommends, along with the principal, both short and long-term goals for the school.
The pastor retains the canonical responsibility of leadership and decision-making in both the
parish and the school and is the person responsible for all changes in school policy consistent
with the teachings of Vatican II. The officers of the Council consist of a President, Vice-President,
Secretary and Financial Officer, all of whom shall be elected annually by the members of the
Council at a meeting in June. A meeting is not official unless the pastor or his delegate is present
and changes in school policy cannot take place without the presence and assent of the pastor or
his delegate. No Council member may serve more than two consecutive three-year terms.
The School Council meets on the third Thursday of every month at 7:00 p.m. in the school’s music
room, except for the month of July. The School Council meetings are open to the public. Parents
and faculty are welcome to attend. The audience is permitted time to address the School Council
during the “Open Forum” portion of the meeting. The guidelines for the “Open Forum” are as
follows:
1. There is a time limit of 3 to 5 minutes for the speaker to express concerns during the Open Forum.
2. There may be a response to an issue brought up at the time it is presented; however, no response is required.
3. Any person is able to hand the Council members a written note on any matter they feel the Council needs to address if he/she cannot be present at the meeting.
4. The Chair may choose to have the Council discuss any issues brought forth or defer to executive session or the next meeting.
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Serving on the School Council will fulfill the Parents as Partners yearly requirement (10 hours)
for each year served.
Parent Teacher Club
The Parent Teacher Club (PTC) is a school organization whose membership consists of
the parents/guardians of the student, as well as the faculty and staff of the school. The
purpose of this club is to foster unity and understanding between the home and school.
The PTC will also assist the principal in providing programs and financial resources for
the improvement of the educational programs of the school. Serving on the PTC Board
will fulfill the Parents as Partners yearly requirement (10 Hours) for each year served.
Parents as Partners Program
Parents as Partners is a Parent Teacher Club (PTC) sponsored program created to bring
out the best parents have to offer to help St. Matthew Catholic School achieve the
strong faith community we aspire to in our Mission Statement. It was designed to
involve parents in the life of our school. Each family is required to participate in the
Parents as Partners Program.
Parents as Partners Requirement:
A minimum of 10 hours of volunteer participation in a school or church activity is required per school year per family. A minimum of 10 hours of volunteer participation in a school or church activity is required per school year per family. Parents as Partners hours must be reported by a PTC specified date each school year. Any hours reported, or earned and reported after that date can be applied to the following school year.
Each family is responsible for entering their own hours throughout the school year on Renweb. Failure to complete AND report all Parents as Partners hours (10 hrs/yr) will result in a fee of $10 per uncompleted hour (maximum of $100).
New families coming to the school during the school year will have their service hours
prorated.
Parents as Partners Opportunities
Many opportunities are available in both the School and Church. Below is a short description of some of the school events and activities that can earn Parents as Partners hours. Contact the school administration or church administration for many others not listed below.
A family can earn hours by volunteering at an event (one hour earn for every one hour
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worked) or by donating items for class parties, classroom supplies, etc. ($10 of donation
equals one hour earned).
Parent Teacher Club
Serving on the PTC board will fulfill the Parents as Partners yearly requirement (10
hours) for each year served.
Homeroom Parent
A Homeroom Parent coordinates classroom parties, activities and functions associated with the homeroom in which his/her child has been assigned. The Homeroom Parent will be in close communication with the homeroom teacher and will utilize other parents from the classroom to organize activities. Serving as a Homeroom Parent will fulfill the Parents as Partners yearly requirement (10 hours) for each year served.
PTC General Meetings
St. Matthew PTC will hold periodic general meetings with the parents, teachers and
staff. These meetings will provide information on upcoming PTC and school events. At
these general meetings, different activities and projects from the students are often
showcased. Students periodically provide entertainment. Each PTC meeting attended
will qualify as one hour toward Parents as Partners yearly requirement.
School Council Meetings and Committees
Attendance at the monthly School Council meeting and/or participation in the standing
committees are available and provide volunteers an opportunity to get involved in the
governance of the school. School Council service is one of many ways parents can use
their personal and professional expertise to greatly enhance the school.
Catholic Schools Week
Catholic Schools Week occurs during the last week of January each year. Established by
the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) to celebrate the gift of Catholic
education and the presence of Jesus in our children’s education. At the parish level, the
week is filled with special School, PTC and Student Council sponsored activities as well
as appreciation days for all those involved in our children’s education. It is a time to
celebrate our identity as a faith community and to recognize the hard work and
dedication of all who help to keep our school growing in spiritual vitality and in academic
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excellence. A calendar of events will be published. Parent volunteers are also needed
to help the PTC Social Committee organize and execute these events.
Halloween Carnival
The PTC sponsors the Halloween Carnival held once a year on the parish grounds in the
month of October. The purpose of the carnival is to build community at St. Matthew
School. A chairperson is designated to plan and oversee the activities for the carnival.
Parents are needed to assist in classroom booth ideas, set-up and clean-up of designated
booth and rotation of booth assistance.
The booths are small and consist of simple games or arts and crafts for the students and
their families to participate in.
Church Festival
The St. Matthew Festival is a family-oriented event held in May. It is a fundraiser for the
church and school. Volunteers from the parish and school families are needed to plan,
set up and staff all the food and game booths. Some set up is done on the Saturday
before the festival. Clean-up volunteers are also needed.
Accelerated Reader
This is a computer based reading motivation program. Students read (or have read to
them) books from a selected list. The student then takes a multiple choice test that
checks comprehension. Parents are needed to escort students from the classroom to
the computer lab and help them execute the testing. Parents may sign up in the
individual classroom rather than on the Parents as Partners Opportunity Form.
Spring Gala
The PTC sponsors this event in an effort to build community among parents, faculty,
staff and parishioners and serves as the PTC spring fundraiser. Friends gather to support
the school through the purchase of a ticket to the event, which usually includes a meal
and cash bar. Local businesses and parents, as well as the students and staff, give items
and other donations for a live and silent auction. Many parents are needed to make this
event a success. Some of those needs are to solicit auction items and corporate
donations, help with decorations, ticket sales, set-up, check out and clean-up of the
event. Parents serve on individual committees that generally meet after school.
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Uniform Resale Committee
The PTC sponsors a uniform recycle sale before each general PTC meeting. The sale
offers an opportunity for families to buy gently used school uniforms at discounted prices.
Families wishing to donate uniforms may drop off the items in the school office. Uniforms
are inspected for quality and then offered for sale. Parents operate the Uniform resale.
All proceeds go to the PTC general fund.
Alumni Committee
This committee will work with the administration in locating and keeping contact with
former students. New ideas are welcome to keep these special students and their
parents connected to our school.
Social Committee
This PTC Committee handles all the social events sponsored by the PTC. These events
include preparation of refreshments and entertainment at the general PTC meetings,
organization of the two teacher breakfasts, serve ice cream to students on St. Matthew
Feast Day and preparation of all social festivities during Catholic Schools Week.
Career Day
Career Day is scheduled during the month of March for middle school students. Many
careers are presented to the students for their consideration. Parents of middle school
students are encouraged to present their career, but all parents and others are welcome
to participate.
Thanksgiving Luncheon
Students and parents are served a Thanksgiving meal before Thanksgiving break. The
cafeteria staff prepares the traditional turkey and dressing meal. The feast takes place
in the cafeteria and the McDonald Family Center to accommodate for the larger than
normal lunch crowd. Many assistants are needed to help set-up and decorate the tables,
sell tickets, serve food and drinks, give directions and cleanup.
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Athletic Booster Club
The Athletic Booster Club is designed to assemble families, friends, teachers and
administrators in support of the school athletic program. The Club hosts the weeklong
homecoming events as well as several fundraisers throughout the school year. There is
an annual fee per family to participate in the Club with the proceeds ultimately going to
support the school athletic teams and their activities.
Library
Our library is busy during the school year providing reading opportunities for our children
and has the following Parents at Partners opportunities available:
� Library Assistant – Parent help is needed for morning or afternoon shifts, once a
week, throughout the school year. These assistants will shelve books and assist
students in checking out library books.
� Book Fair – Usually takes place for one week during the school day. Assistants
are needed for morning and afternoon shifts to sell books and collect money.
Bike Rodeo
The PTC sponsored Bike Rodeo is an event that focuses on bicycle safety for our students.
It is held in the spring for grades Kinder through Fifth. The committee chairperson works
closely with a San Antonio Police Officer and parents. Students who participate in the
Bike Rodeo bring their own bicycles and helmets to school the morning of the event.
Parents judge events such as riding in a circle, maneuvering the serpentine obstacle
course and slow riding to test for balance.
Health Screening
Vision, Hearing and Scoliosis screenings will be scheduled and announced. Volunteers
are needed for these events.
� Vision Screening - This screening usually lasts for two days. Assistants are needed
in the morning and afternoon to help with the event as well as weighing,
measuring, recording information and escorting students.
� Hearing Screening - This screening usually lasts for two days. Assistants are
needed in the morning and afternoon to help with the event as well as escorting
students, recording information and checking/filing papers.
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Athletic Director
Parent helpers are needed to assist the coaches with a variety of activities. Times and
frequency of assistance may be arranged with the athletic director.
Picture Day
Individual pictures are taken in the fall and group pictures are taken in the spring.
Parents are stationed at various locations to insure the photographs are taken in a timely
manner with minimal disruption to the teachers and the surrounding classes.
Annual Spirit Fund Committee
This committee will work in conjunction with the PTC, School Council development chair,
the staff development manager and administration to design and implement the annual
spirit fund for the school.
Elementary and Middle School Field Days
The school coaches head these events and always appreciate volunteers. Parents are
needed to coordinate activities and assist the coaches and the students.
Memory Keeper
The yearbook staff would like to have 1 parent from each class to help take pictures
throughout the year. Those pictures would be sent to the Yearbook staff to use in the
yearbook. If you are interested in being the Memory Keeper for your Child’s class,
please speak with the classroom teacher and/or the yearbook sponsor.
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APPENDIX
St. Matthew Catholic School Athletic Handbook
School Sports Philosophy
The middle school sports program is provided to help foster spiritual, moral,
intellectual, social and physical development in our students by offering a
competitive team sports environment. Our sports policy strives to balance the
drive to win and succeed in athletic competition with the Christian principles that
are the foundation of our educational program.
We encourage all students to consider participation in our athletic programs as
opportunities arise throughout the year.
The SMCS Athletic program provides a variety of experiences that enhance the
development of favorable habits and attitudes that will prepare students for adult
life. The interscholastic athletic program shall be conducted in accordance with
existing Archdiocesan Interscholastic Athletic League (AIAL) and SMCS
policies, rules and regulations.
While SMCS takes great pride in winning, it does not condone “winning at any
cost.” It discourages any and all pressures which might lead to neglecting good
sportsmanship and good mental health. At all times, the athletic program must
be conducted as an educational activity of learning.
The goal of the SMCS Athletic Program is to assist students in the development
of Christian character through their participation in sports.
Parents and players are obligated to acknowledge the fact that “the St. Matthew Catholic School athletic programs are competitive.”
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Sports Programs
SMCS competes in the Archdiocesan Interscholastic Athletic League (AIAL). The
guidelines established by the member schools govern competition in the league.
The league offers competition in the following sports:
Football Baseball Soccer** Track*
Basketball* Softball Golf Volleyball*+
Cross Country* Cheerleading++ Tennis
*Separate boys and girls leagues are available for these sports
** In soccer both boys and girls compete in a co-ed league
+ SMCS has not competed in boy’s volleyball in several years, if interest is
indicated, a team could be formed
++ See cheerleading section
Competition in boys and girls sports is divided into “A” and “B” teams in the
following sports:++
Volleyball Track Basketball
Cross Country
The following sports only offer a single “A” team++:
Football Baseball Tennis
Soccer Softball Golf
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++ AIAL regulations stipulate that 8th grade students may only participate on “A”
teams.
Sports Policy
The sports policy may be changed at the discretion of the school administration
as needed and without notice. Please direct any inquires to the School
Administration. All students must meet all eligibility requirements to participate in
any school team sport. Where both “A” and “B” teams are available, the school
will field teams at both levels of competition. If there are not enough players to
field a team at both “A” and “B” levels, only an “A” team will be established.
• 6th, 7th and 8th grade students are eligible to try out for all sports (exception
for Football)
• Tryouts may be held for any sport when participation exceeds the
available number of player’s slots available for the sport. In the event a roster
spot becomes available after the season has begun, and at the coach’s, a
student may be asked to join the team based on the tryout evaluation. The
coach, athletic director and principal must approve final rosters for all sports
before being sent to the AIAL office.
• 8th grade students are only eligible for participation on “A” teams. Available
slots will be filled with any combination of other participants as necessary.
• A letter will be awarded to student athletes competing at the “A” team level
in the AIAL competition provided they remain eligible for competition the entire
season. After the initial letter an award pin will be awarded for additional sports.
• Students and parents are expected to exhibit Christian behavior and good
sportsmanship at all school related functions and activities, whether on or off
campus.
• The administration and game officials, at their discretion, have the
authority to remove anyone displaying unsportsmanlike conduct at any school
related activity, whether on or off campus.
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Athletic events and practices are not the time or place to express
concerns or conduct discussions of a personal nature with coaches or
school personnel and such will not be tolerated. Concerns should be
brought to the attention of the athletic director within 24 hours and a response
will be received within a week’s time.
Athletic Code of Conduct
Conduct of Athletes
A firm and fair policy of enforcement is necessary to uphold the regulations and standards of the athletic department. The community, school administrators and the coaching staff feel strongly that high standards of conduct and citizenship are essential in maintaining a sound program of athletics. The welfare of the student is our major consideration and transcends any other consideration. All athletes shall abide by a code of ethics which will earn them the honor and respect that participation and competition in the interscholastic program affords. Any conduct that result in dishonor to the athlete, the team or the school will not be tolerated. Acts of unacceptable conduct such as, but not limited to theft, vandalism, disrespect, immorality or violations of law, tarnish the reputation of everyone associated with the athletic program and will not be tolerated. Participation on an athletic team involves discipline and willingness to make sacrifices. For this reason, those who wish to participate in interscholastic sports at SMCS must always act like ladies and gentlemen; be neat in appearance and polite in behavior.
Requirements for Participation
Physical Examination: A yearly physical examination is required. The physical
exam form must be completed by the physician and submitted to the coach prior
to participation in any try-out or game competition. The examination will be valid
for a period of one year from the date it was first obtained. The form will be kept
on file in the Athletic Department Office.
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Medical Release Authorization: Each athlete’s parent shall complete an
emergency Medical Release Authorization form, giving permission for treatment
by a physician or hospital when the parent(s) are not available. The form will be
kept with each coach so that they are available at each practice and contest.
Parental Acknowledgement of Athletic Policies: Upon entering middle school are
at the time a student tries out for an athletic team, he/she will be presented with
necessary forms and information for participating in athletics. Each parent or
guardian and athlete shall read all of the enclosed material and certify that they
understand the athletic eligibility, rules and policies of the school. This signed
document will be filed in the Athletic Department.
Scholastic Eligibility: In order to participate on a SMCS athletic team, each
athlete must have satisfied all the scholastic eligibility requirements prior to
participation. Furthermore, any student who is in violation of the school’s
disciplinary policies is not eligible to participate in interscholastic sports at SMCS.
Any student whose conduct or appearance is not in compliance with the school’s
policy may be declared ineligible by the Administration for an indefinite period.
Eligibility
To be eligible for athletics, the middle school athlete must be in compliance with the
SMCS policies concerning extra-curricular eligibility and the rules and regulations of the
Archdiocese Interscholastic Athletic League (AIAL). Individual sports may adopt rules
and regulations, with administrative approval, regarding expectations and requirements
for students participating in that particular sport. These policies, once signed by the
parent and student, become an extension of the student/parent handbook.
• Must be enrolled in St. Matthew Catholic School
• Must have a 70 or better cumulative average of all subjects and are
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not failing more than one subject at progress report grading periods
• Must maintain 75 or better cumulative average of all subjects and no grade lower
than a 70 in any subject at report card grading periods
• Students trying out for a fall sport must be a student in good standing at the time
of the team tryouts. A student must have passed all core classes for the full year to
be eligible to try out. If they failed a core class for the year, they must have
completed summer school at their expense and received a passing grade prior to
the commencement of tryouts. In the case of electives, the student must have
maintained a passing average for all elective classes for the full year. If the student
does not meet the elective requirement, they must make up the failed class during
the summer at their expense.
• All applicable athletic fees must be paid in full prior to the first game/competition
of the season
• Athletes must be marked present in school the entire day in order to be eligible to
participate in games/competition or practice later that same afternoon or evening**
• Any student missing more than 2hrs. (120 minutes) of the school day is marked
absent for that day.
• If a student misses classes on a Friday, they will be eligible to participate in
Saturday or Sunday events as deemed appropriate by the sport’s coach.
**The only exceptions are school sponsored or approved activities. Parents need to
keep this in mind when scheduling appointments.
Ineligibility
If a student becomes ineligible, due to grades, he/she may not participate in practice or
games until the deficiency is removed at the next progress report or report card grading
period whichever comes first. A student may not tryout for a sport if they do not meet
the academic requirements for eligibility as outlined in the Eligibility section above. If a
student is unable to tryout, they will be ineligible for the full season even if they rectify
the grade deficiency. If a student becomes ineligible for other reasons such as
misconduct, the coach and/or administration will make a determination of the
consequences up to and including permanent removal from the team.
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Team Selection Process
The purpose of tryouts is to fairly evaluate all student athletes on their talent, sportsmanship and knowledge of the game. All in attendance will be fairly evaluated by using a rating system that will rank each athlete in several categories that pertain to each sport tryout. The date and number of days the tryout will be conducted will be determined by the published AIAL calendar, Athletic Director and School Principal.
o Categories will be determined by each coach and approved by the Athletic Director for that sport
Athletes trying out for each sport must attend all posted tryout dates. Failure to attend all tryout dates will disqualify you from making the final roster for that sport.
In the event a student is ill and not able to attend school or has to leave school because of an illness, the athletic department will allow the student to try out as long as they are able to attend 2 of the 3 posted try out dates. Failing to attend 2 of the 3 try out dates will disqualify them from the try out. This applies to illnesses that fall under the current school policy that requires them to be kept home due to health department guidelines. Each situation will be reviewed and handled on an individual basis by the Athletic Director, School Nurse and Principal.
There are no guarantees that a student, trying out for a team, will make the squad, regardless of grade level or prior participation on a school team. In the event a student fails to demonstrate the efforts and attitude expected of a player or should the coach believe the student could not safely participate in the sport, then the student may not be placed on the team. The coach, athletic director and principal must approve final rosters for all sports before being sent to the AIAL office.
Each player will be given a number prior to tryout. A tryout worksheet will be kept to document scores and notes during the evaluations. This will help coaches to identify and select players in accordance with their abilities. The
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worksheet is solely a tool to assist the coaching staff with making final team selections. Team selection results are considered personal in nature and will only be disclosed to St. Matthew School coaching staff and administration.
Sport Grades Allowed to Try-
Out
Number of
Teams
Football * 7th & 8th A Team
Volleyball 6th - 7th - 8th A & B Team
Soccer 6th - 7th - 8th A Team
Cross Country 6th - 7th - 8th A & B Team
Basketball - Boys 6th - 7th - 8th A & B Team
Basketball - Girls 6th - 7th - 8th A & B Team
Tennis 6th - 7th - 8th A Team
Golf 6th - 7th - 8th A Team
Baseball 6th - 7th - 8th A Team
Softball 6th - 7th - 8th A Team
Track & Field 6th - 7th - 8th A & B Team
Cheerleading 6th - 7th - 8th A Team
* 6th grade athletes will be allowed to try out for the team in the
event there are not enough athletes to fill a team. The Coaches,
Athletic Director and Principal will make the decision based on the
current situation.
All participating in the tryout have an equal chance to make the team. Available slots will be filled with any combination of 6th, 7th and 8th graders.
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AIAL regulations stipulate that 8th grade students may only participate on “A” teams. Clarification: A 6th or 7th grade athlete can be selected over an 8th grade athlete for a roster spot.
Team Commitment
All absences will be either excused or unexcused.
Excused absences: Illness, death in the family or a family emergency. If a student gets ill during the school day and goes home, their absence will be excused. If a student feels ill and stays in school, they should go to practice. If their illness gets worse, then the coach can excuse them to go home.
Unexcused absences: When a student/athlete gets an unexcused absence from practice, they will become ineligible for one game. In addition, players will be required to attend the competition, dressed and must sit on the team bench as teammates normally do. When a student gets a second unexcused absence from practice, parents will be notified by phone, that one more unexcused absence from practice will result in that student’s removal from the program. As a result, the player will again be required to miss one game with the same conditions as stated above. When a student gets an unexcused absence from a contest (misses a game), they will be immediately removed from the program and parents will be notified by phone.
Tardiness will also be either excused or unexcused. The coach will have the authority to decide whether a tardy is excused or not.” As a reinforcement measure, please make time to discuss these guidelines with your daughter or son. Players are expected to be on time to classes, practices, and meetings. Tardiness will not be tolerated. Corrective action will be taken by the coach. An ensuing tardy will result in the same consequence as an unexcused missed practice.
Quitting a Sport - The Athletic Department feels that a student has made a commitment to the school, team and coach. His or her quitting has disrupted team unity and deprived another student of participating. Any student, who remains on a team, and after minor disciplinary action, continues to demonstrate poor team morale can be dismissed by the coach with the approval of the Director of Athletics and be subject to the same suspension. The Athletic Department feels strongly that a student makes a serious commitment to a team before trying out for a sport. When an athlete
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quits the team to which he / she have been selected, he/she forfeits trying out or participating in another sport until the completion of the previous sport.
Disciplinary Procedures - Disciplinary infractions of school rules while in attendance at, or while being transferred to or from, an athletic event come under the jurisdiction of the regular school disciplinary procedures. The head coach must inform the Principal and the Director of Athletics of such infractions. The head coach may add to the punishment from the school but cannot bypass ordinary procedures.
Since discipline is a vital ingredient to a team's success, athletes can be disciplined for the following infractions:
• Unexcused absence from practice or game;
• Failure to attend team meetings;
• Being tardy to a practice;
• Lack of sportsmanship;
• Failure to contribute your best effort;
• Disciplinary reasons for missing practice are not excused.
• Breaking training rules.
Sanctioned disciplinary procedures include:
• Suspension or expulsion from the team (only instituted with permission from the Head Coach of the sport and Director of Athletics).
• Benching (sitting out of practice or game as designated by coach).
• Extra physical activity (i.e. push-ups).
NOTE: A SMCS athlete who leaves the bench area to join in an altercation during a contest will be suspended from the team and subject to dismissal from the Athletic Program and the school, if after an investigation it is found that the student participated in such.
Another setback can occur with untimely injuries to players. Some of these
injuries occur because of non-school team sports participation during the season. (Club, tournaments, etc) While players are encouraged to participate in
club sports, parents and players must understand that school athletics will
take precedence over club athletics. Similarly, if there is a conflict with
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another school sport, it is recommended that the parents and player decide
which school sport is a priority.
It is the parents’ sole responsibility to pick up their children after team practices
are finished for the day. If a practice concludes at 5:00 pm their child will be
dropped off at the school’s After School Care Program after 5:15 pm. Parents
will need to pay the costs of this care program. Most of the St. Matthew School
coaches are volunteers or are not paid enough to wait and sit with your children
for you. Parents are asked to be considerate and arrive on time in order to pick
up their children after practices. This way coaches who conduct practices that
finish after 6:00 pm will not have to sit with children until parents arrive. Please
know that most of our coaches have other jobs and many need to go to work
after their practices conclude.
Performance and Playing Time
The St. Matthew Catholic School Athletic Program is a competitive program. The
coaches of each sport have full discretion when determining playing time and control of
continued membership on a particular team. Discussion with the coach or Athletic
Director regarding concerns of playing time should follow protocol on page 87 (Sports
Policy).
SMCS Athletic Program is to assist students in the development of Christian character through their participation in sports. The student-athlete shall learn:
• To work with others. In a democratic society a person must develop
self discipline, Respect for authority, and the spirit of hard work and
sacrifice. The team and its objectives must be placed higher than
personal desires.
• To be successful. Our society is very competitive. We do not always
win, but we succeed when we continually strive to do so. You can
learn to accept defeat only by striving to win with earnest dedication.
• To develop sportsmanship. To accept any defeat like a true
sportsman, knowing we have done our best, we must learn to treat
others as we would have others treat us. We need to develop
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desirable social traits, including emotional control, honesty,
cooperation and dependability.
• To improve. Continual improvement is an essential component of
good citizenship. As an athlete, you must establish a goal and you
must constantly try to achieve that goal. Try to improve in the skills
and knowledge required and those personal traits that enhance the
success of a team.
• To enjoy athletics. It is necessary for athletes to enjoy participation,
to acknowledge all of the personal rewards to be derived from
athletics, and to give sufficiently of themselves in order to persevere
and improve the program.
• To develop desirable personal health habits. To be an active,
contributing citizen, it is important to obtain a high degree of
physical fitness through exercise and good health habits, and to
develop the desire to maintain this level of physical fitness after
formal competition has been completed.
Sports Teams
FOOTBALL
• The Football program is open to 7th & 8th grade students
• St. Matthew will field only one Football team
• Must have a current physical on file with the Athletic Department
• The Football program averages approximately 35 players. In the past
there has not been a tryout for the team unless the number of participants
exceeds a manageable number. At that time the Team Selection Process
will be followed to determine a final roster. Number of participants will be
determined by the Head Coach and Athletic Director.
• Minimum weight is 85lbs with the Maximum weight not to exceed 210lbs
• Must read and sign the St. Matthew Athletic Contract after being selected
to the team
• All sports fee’s must be paid prior to the start of any game competition
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VOLLEYBALL
• The Volleyball program is open to 6th,7th & 8th grade students
• St. Matthew will field two teams ( “A” & “B” teams) see Sports Policy section
for team structure
• Must have a current physical on file with the Athletic Department
• Team rosters and the number of roster spots will be determined by the
Head Coach and Athletic Director at the conclusion of tryouts.
• Tryouts will follow the Team Selection Process which will determine team
final rosters
• All Volleyball tryouts and practices are closed to only athletes, coaches
and school administrators.
• Must read and sign the St. Matthew Athletic Contract after being selected
to the team
• All sports fee’s must be paid prior to the start of any game competition
SOCCER
• The Soccer program is open to 6th, 7th & 8th grade students
• St. Matthew will field one “A” team see Sports Policy section for team structure
• Must have a current Physical on file with the Athletic Department
• Team rosters and the number of roster spots will be determined by the
Head Coach and Athletic Director at the conclusion of tryouts.
• Tryouts will follow the Team Selection Process which will determine team
final rosters
• Must read and sign the St. Matthew Athletic Contract after being selected
to the team
• All sports fee’s must be paid prior to the start of any game competition
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CROSS COUNTRY
• The Cross Country program is open to 6th, 7th and 8th grade students
• St. Matthew will field an “A” & “B” team see Sports Policy section for team
structure
• Must have a current Physical on file with the Athletic Department
• Everyone is encouraged to participate (Athletic Director will evaluate participation
numbers each season)
• Team rosters and the number of roster spots will be determined by the
Head Coach and Athletic Director if a tryout is warranted
• Must read and sign the St. Matthew Athletic Contract after being selected
to the team
• All sports fee’s must be paid prior to the start of any game competition
BASKETBALL
• The Basketball program is open to 6th,7th & 8th grade students
• St. Matthew will field four teams ( “A” & “B” boys team) & (“A” & “B” girls
team) see Sports Policy section for team structure
• Must have a current physical on file with the Athletic Department
• Team rosters and the number of roster spots will be determined by the
Head Coach and Athletic Director at the conclusion of tryouts.
• Tryouts will follow the Team Selection Process which will determine team
final rosters
• All Basketball tryouts and practices are closed to only athletes, coaches
and school administrators.
• Must read and sign the St. Matthew Athletic Contract after being selected
to the team
• All sports fee’s must be paid prior to the start of any game competition
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BASEBALL
• The Baseball program is open to 6th, 7th & 8th grade students
• St. Matthew will field one “A” team see Sports Policy section for team structure
• Must have a current Physical on file with the Athletic Department
• Team rosters and the number of roster spots will be determined by the
Head Coach and Athletic Director at the conclusion of tryouts.
• Tryouts will follow the Team Selection Process which will determine team
final rosters
• Must read and sign the St. Matthew Athletic Contract after being selected
to the team
• All sports fee’s must be paid prior to the start of any game competition
SOFTBALL
• The Softball program is open to 6th, 7th & 8th grade students
• St. Matthew will field one “A” team see Sports Policy section for team structure
• Must have a current Physical on file with the Athletic Department
• Team rosters and the number of roster spots will be determined by the
Head Coach and Athletic Director at the conclusion of tryouts.
• Tryouts will follow the Team Selection Process which will determine team
final rosters
• Must read and sign the St. Matthew Athletic Contract after being selected
to the team
• All sports fee’s must be paid prior to the start of any game competition
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TRACK
• The Track program is open to 6th, 7th and 8th grade students
• St. Matthew will field an “A” & “B” team see Sports Policy section for team
structure
• Must have a current Physical on file with the Athletic Department
• Everyone is encouraged to participate (Athletic Director will evaluate participation
numbers each season)
• Team rosters and the number of roster spots will be determined by the
Head Coach and Athletic Director at the conclusion of tryouts.
• Must read and sign the St. Matthew Athletic Contract after being selected
to the team
• All sports fee’s must be paid prior to the start of any game competition
TENNIS
• The Tennis program is open to 6th, 7th and 8th grade students
• St. Matthew will field one tennis team.
• Must have a current Physical on file with the Athletic Department
• Everyone is encouraged to participate (Athletic Director will evaluate
participation numbers each season)
• Tryouts will follow the Team Selection Process which will determine team
final rosters
• Team rosters and the number of roster spots will be determined by the
Head Coach and Athletic Director at the conclusion of tryouts.
• Must read and sign the St. Matthew Athletic Contract after being
selected to the team
• All sports fee’s must be paid prior to the start of any game competition
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GOLF
• The Golf program is open to 6th, 7th and 8th grade students
• St. Matthew will field one golf team
• At this time St. Matthew is unable to provide an environment of instruction
and practice. Individuals who wish to compete may do so utilizing their
own practice time and coaching
• St. Matthew will enter any individual in the AIAL District golf tournament as
long as the athlete is able to demonstrate they can play on their own and
have a full understanding of the rules of golf.
• St. Matthew Athletic Director will evaluate the individuals to assure their
acceptance into the tournament.
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Cheerleaders
The purpose of the St. Matthew Catholic School (SMCS) Cheerleader program is to:
Support the curricular and extracurricular activities of SMCS by promoting school spirit, to develop a sense of good sportsmanship among the students and to improve relationships between competing schools during all athletic events.
At SMCS cheerleaders are considered athletes. Because cheerleader selection tryouts are necessary cheerleading is considered competitive in nature.
Therefore, as in any other SMCS sport, a student-athlete must be on the A-team/squad for eligibility to receive an Athletic Letter at the end of the school year.
Like all SMCS student-athletes, cheerleaders are expected to attend practices and perform at an optimum level at all school related athletic events. SMCS Cheerleaders shall NOT be required to compete in external cheerleading competitions or perform at non-school-sponsored activities. Cheerleaders, as well as cheer parents, have a demanding responsibility in itself and will not be subjected to external anxieties and/or costs.
Being a SMCS cheerleader is a genuine honor and a special privilege. Cheerleaders are first and foremost representatives and ambassadors of our school and its unique environment in which students can experience the presence of the Holy Spirit. Cheerleaders should exemplify both individual and group behavior suitable to their notable position and in accordance with the rules as stated in the SMCS Student/Parent Handbook.
SMCS cheerleaders also have a fundamental responsibility to play a leadership role in building teamwork and helping the school achieve its goals and objectives. Because of these special responsibilities, members of the cheerleading squad will be expected to maintain higher standards of
behavior, both on and off campus, and higher standards of academic achievement than that of their peers.
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Objectives
A. To cheer for any athletic event as required by school authorities.
B. To promote a cooperative spirit among the student body, the faculty and administration.
C. To promote unification of the crowd’s involvement during athletic events.
D. To promote the type of sportsmanship that will help students acquire the basic attributes of good citizenship.
E. To build better relationships between schools.
F. To develop a wholesome school spirit.
G. To develop loyalty to your school and team, regardless of the outcome.
H. To help your school achieve the objectives of its interscholastic athletics activities.
I. To promote all competitions in which the school participates.
J. To attend activities as necessary to promote school pride and spirit.
Guidelines for Cheerleading
A. Your appearance and your conduct will reflect upon SMCS. The students who chose you for this position do so because they think they will make a favorable impression. SMCS will give them every opportunity to try to fulfill their expectations.
B. Because a cheerleader is regularly in the public eye, the cheerleader is both a representative of SMCS and a leader in the school, personal appearance must reflect the positive, respectful attitude instilled at SMS.
1. Absolutely NO Jewelry is allowed during practice, games, competitions, or any school function.
2. NO make-up, including lip color will be allowed on the school campus. Face paint, body glitter and cardinal tattoos may be worn at camp and other specified school functions as approved by coach/sponsor.
C. The SMCS Cheerleader’s role is to improve the student morale, to boost team spirit and to help our school achieve the objectives of its supporting interscholastic league and other programs. You are to direct the student body in its support of your
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school’s teams. This role makes you a strong influence in guiding other student conduct at games and you should maintain the proper dignity in this leadership.
D. After the school fall sport season, cheerleaders will be permitted to tryout or join other athletic teams at SMCS. If the cheerleader makes the sports teams, her first priority will be to the team in season. Cheerleaders are expected to attend any practices or activities with the cheerleading program
as long as the two do not conflict. This commitment does not apply to external cheerleading competitions or outside commitment at non-school-sponsored activities.
The exception will be that a cheerleader can participate in the fall Cross Country season as long as the Cross Country practices do not conflict with the Cheerleading practice or performance schedule
Membership
A. One squad consisting of a maximum of sixteen (16) students. If there are seven (7) or less who are qualified for tryouts, the squad will be made up of those eligible and tryouts will not be held.
B. The sponsor will designate a head cheerleader ONLY after receiving input from the entire squad.
C. Additional members may be admitted and allowed to fill regular squad positions as they reach performing proficiency, vacancies occur, or temporary positions in the event a regular cheerleader is unable to perform his/her cheerleader duties. The addition of members will be at the sole discretion of the Cheerleader Review Board.
Qualification and Eligibility
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To remain in the organization, each cheerleader must maintain eligibility under the school athletic and Cheerleading policy.
A. To be eligible for extracurricular activities, including cheerleading, a student must be
passing ALL subjects:
1. Must have a 70 or better cumulative average of all subjects and are not failing more than one subject at progress report grading periods.
2. Must maintain 75 or better cumulative average of all subjects and no grade lower than a 70 in any subject at report card grading periods.
3. In the fall, cheerleaders must have received a 70 or better final average in all subjects the previous school year.
B. All athletes must be marked present in school the entire day in order to be eligible to
participate in games or practice later that same afternoon or evening.
C. Poor citizenship can also result in ineligibility for cheerleading and other extracurricular
activities.
D. Any student earning a U (Unsatisfactory) or two Ns (Needs Improvement) in citizenship for a six-weeks grading period will be suspended from extracurricular activities for the
following six-week grading period.
E. Any student earning N (Needs Improvement) in the same class for two consecutive grading periods will be suspended from extracurricular activities for the following six- week grading period.
F. Any N or U earned by a student involved in athletics will merit additional consequences that will be assigned by the Athletic Director and/or coaches.
G. Any candidate who has been ineligible two six-weeks of the school year will be disqualified from cheerleader try-outs.
H. Beginning September 1, 2007, any candidate who has failed one semester in any
course of the school year will be disqualified from cheerleader try-outs.
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I. Have written permission from parents to compete.
J. Attend all workshops, practices, etc. unless excused in advance by the sponsor.
K. Attend cheerleader summer camp or similar type facility as designated by the Cheer
Sponsor.
L. Students with excessive absences, as deemed by Attendance Committee, may be
disqualified.
M. Any or all financial responsibilities with SMCS shall be paid in full prior to try-outs.
N. Cheerleaders must maintain passing grades as required by the student handbook eligibility rules in order to perform or participate in Cheerleading activities.
O. Beginning September 1, 2007, any student who has been selected or elected previously as Cheerleader, but has either voluntarily resigned or been dismissed from the squad will be ineligible for tryouts unless the resignation was due to circumstances beyond the candidate's control.
Head Cheerleader’s Duties
A. To ensure that the agenda and theme of each pep rally is given to the sponsor Tuesday before the pep rally.
B. To coordinate outfits, props, etc. that are needed for pep rallies and/or games.
C. To be sure of game times and to ensure that all cheerleaders are present and on time.
D. To call a meeting of the cheerleaders, with sponsor approval, when necessary.
E. To see that all areas, supplies, etc. are in order after practices, sign painting, or any other group activities.
F. To arrange necessary hospitality to all visiting teams.
G. The Head Cheerleader must possess the following leadership traits: to take
pictures in any cheerleading uniform. Dismissed cheerleader will
not appear in any group pictures in the current school yearbook.
H. Expenses for uniforms, camp and other incidentals may exceed $700.
I. Each cheerleader will purchase cheerleading uniforms, tennis shoes, socks, camp outfits, and pom-poms. The school does not pay for any part of the uniform. The St. Matthew cheerleading department will provide megaphones, sweats, and other items that belong to the school. The cheerleaders will checkout these items to utilize for the entire school year.
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J. Uniformity equals unity. St. Matthew Catholic School promotes unity; therefore, all cheerleaders are to be in proper uniform while at practice and at games. The practice uniform consists of the P.E. uniform (or any other St. Matthew T-shirt), red/black/white biker shorts (under P.E. shorts), cheerleading tennis shoes, and white socks. The game uniform consists of the cheerleading outfit specified by the coach and sponsor. K. The game uniform includes uniform top, skirt, biker shorts, cheer socks,
cheer tennis shoes, ribbons/bows, pom-poms, megaphone, cheerleading bag, and water jug. If a cheerleader is absent prior to a game or event, it is the responsibility of the cheerleader to contact the head captain to find out what uniform and accessories are to be worn.
L. All cheerleaders will be required to replace lost equipment either by paying for
replacement equipment or by giving the school the equivalent equipment. This includes equipment such as megaphones, raincoats, sweats, CD’s, etc. Equipment must be turned in to coach/sponsor as requested by the coach/sponsor.
M. All cheerleaders will be required to have a signed physical examination on file before competing in AIAL events.
1. Consequence If a cheerleader attends an event with the entire incorrect uniform or the incorrect skirt, she will not be allowed to participate. The cheerleader will run three laps at the next practice.
2. Consequence If a cheerleader attends an event out-of-uniform (incorrect
accessories, tennis shoes, ribbon/bow, etc) she will suit up in full uniform and sit next to the coach/sponsor for ¼ of the game or event. The cheerleader will run one lap for every item or piece of clothing forgotten.
3. Consequence If a cheerleader attends practice out-of-uniform, she will run one lap for every item or piece of clothing forgotten.
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Cheerleader Duties
Each member of the squad will perform her share of duties. Duties will be equally divided. Duties will not prevent a cheerleader from participating in athletics and other school activities. On the contrary, cheerleaders are allowed and encouraged to compete in athletics and other activities. However, cheerleaders should consult with the advisor concerning other commitments for scheduling purposes.
A. SMCS Cheerleader will be required to attend most of the various sport activities.
B. Members must contact the sponsor to inform her of the absence before the performance takes place.
C. When transportation is provided by the school, members are expected to travel as a unit.
D. Members are expected to support all financial projects sponsored by the cheerleader.
E. Cheerleaders are expected to learn and stay current with any or all material that is presented to them (i.e. dances, cheers, etc.)
Practices
A. After School Practices
Cheerleader practices will be called for, as deemed necessary, by the cheerleader
sponsor, and the head cheerleader. Ample notice will be given so that the cheerleaders can make the necessary arrangements.
B. Summer Practices The sponsor and the head cheerleader, prior to the dismissal of school, will set up specific dates for summer practices. This summer practice schedule will entail the cheerleader spending part of the summer involved in various cheerleader activities.
During this period, SMCS Cheerleaders may compete in external cheerleading competitions or perform at non-school-sponsored Activities.
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Absences during the practices will be excused for the following reasons:
1. Death in the Family
2. Illness
(if a cheerleader has two or more unexcused absences from practice, she will not cheer during the game or take part in any pre-game preparation (prep rallies, skits, etc)
Conduct Code
A. Expectations
1. Conduct themselves as good citizens at all times.
2. Demonstrate leadership qualities and use mature, sound judgment
3. Demonstrate excellent conduct in the classroom as well as during cheerleading activities.
4. No public display of affection AT ANY TIME.
B. Penalties
No member shall be allowed to cheer in one performance if she:
1. Is excessively tardy to a game, performance, practice or activity two (2) times.
2. Is considered absent from school after 10:00a.m. on the day of the performance.
C. Dismissal:
This will occur if the cheerleader is:
1. Absent from a performance without an excuse and does not notify the sponsor prior to the performance.
2. Academically ineligible after failing to bring up his/her grades after two (2) six-week periods.
3. Inappropriate behavior and/or public display of affection.
4. Failure to meet financial responsibilities within the specified time lines.
5. Determined by the Review Board following an investigation to have
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been drinking, smoking or taking illegal drugs at any time.
Extra Curricular Activities Pick-Up Policy
Cheerleaders not picked up by a parent/designated person after school-sponsored
activities will be sent to the Extended Day Program. (Cheerleading Coach/Sponsor will give a five-minute grace period). Parents of a cheerleader not picked up by 6 p.m. will be charged per minute according to the Extended Day Program fees for children left after 6 p.m. This policy applies to any activities, including those off campus. Please notify coach/sponsor by phone if you are running late.
Demerit System
A. Members are permitted no more than a total of TEN demerits per school year.
B. FIVE demerits will result in suspension from the squad. TEN demerits will result in permanent dismissal from the squad. This is a system of demerits that will be in effect immediately after tryouts. Demerits cannot be exchanged or worked off. Once given, it remains
CLASSIFICATION AND NUMBER OF DEMERITS:
1. (2 Demerits) If you fail to call your coach and leave a message that you will be absent.
2. (1 Demerit) If you are absent due to a reason other than sickness or an extreme emergency. This includes practices and all games. If you are sick, you must bring a note from your parents. If you had a doctor’s appointment, you must bring a doctor’s note. If not, this will result 1 demerit also. Second unexcused absence will result in 2 demerits and a third unexcused absence will result in 3 demerits.
3. (1 Demerit) If you do not bring fall cheerleading equipment/uniform to each game.
4. (1 Demerit) If not prepared and dressed-out for practice on time. This includes T-shirt, shorts, socks, and proper athletic shoes.
5. (1 Demerit) If you are tardy to practice or other school events.
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6. (1 Demerit) If you wear jewelry to practice or game.
7. (1 Demerit) If you goof-off, do not pay attention, talk a lot, or slack
off during practice or a game. This also includes time during tumbling or gymnastics.
8. (1 Demerit) If you do not meet a deadline
for instance, payment, turning in forms .
9. (1 Demerit) If you do not stand at attention or if you talk during the national anthem.
10. (1 Demerit) If you do not stand and stay in position during games.
11. (1 Demerit) If you are chewing gum.
12. (1 Demerit) If you are out of uniform including but not limited to…wrinkled uniform, dirty shoes, etc.
13. (3 Demerits) If you are late for a game {up to 3 demerits and sit out quarter(s)}
14. (5 Demerits) Bad attitude, disrespect toward another cheerleader or coach, discipline referrals for classroom behavior, foul language, insubordination, lack of enthusiasm.
15. (10 Demerits) If it is evident that you are drinking, partaking of drugs, or smoking or if you are cited or arrested this will result in immediate removal from the squad.
16. (5 Demerits) If you represent St. Matthews or the School in a derogatory manner in or out of uniform.
17. (10 Demerits) If you miss a scheduled St. Matthews practice, game or other activity because of participation in an All-Star team.
18. (3 Demerits) If you are ineligible for one grading period.
Review Board
Any cheerleader who fails to maintain the standards of conduct and character required of the organization must appear before the review board. This could entail behavior or conduct which reflects
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unfavorably upon the school and/or the cheerleaders or a violation of the constitution or failure to meet other requirements.
A. Membership
The Review board will consist of the following voting members:
1. The school principal
2. The school athletic director
3. The squad sponsor
B. Actions
The review board may decide upon the following actions:
1. The cheerleader may be placed on probation.
2. The cheerleader may be suspended from cheerleading activities for a designated period of time.
3. The cheerleader may be dismissed from the squad.
The SMCS Student/Parent Handbook applies to all athletes and their behavior
during practice and competition since these are school-related activities. The consequences for any violation of the SMCS Student/Parent Handbook are listed in that document; Cheerleaders will receive the same consequences for misconduct as an athlete.
Some elements of the St. Matthew School Athletic Manual have been adopted from other educational institution athletic programs.
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Student Code of Conduct
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Bullying , Harassment or Intimidation Reporting Form
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